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COFYRtGHT DEiKIStT.

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REV. THOMAS P. HUNT.

Chaiiluiii 1H63 1S66.

.h STORY

Sesond Pennsylvania Vbter,an Heavy A

^ .(AFTER I.

In the Summer of i.' .11 the hfe or death o*' t1 -

nation depended on the support given by the so Northern and Western States to maintain "the one and indivisible," much speculation as to the >i

the war was indulged in by many who had not as yet be- come aware of the necessity of immediate a' ' [:;iit. or who, in other words, had not been

I Others, also, there were who did not con-

- '■ ■ ' ■ paramount to a busi^i - • * - id

he war terminated ■ -s

uently. were intereste<i m nothing

:nany si

itriotic bi<.Jod ui ; >ciiLt>..c-^v ,^^eame "a pari''- • ' 'Utinued, and eventuaUy another, unintentionally, : their becoming participan ' was, evidently, with s* •id Pennsylvaniri

Ttheles through rous-

-c»nai motives in view, aisaction" as the war ed up, in one way or • ffairs, terminating in r before its close. So 'riginal officers of the liiery, who, however, as

HISTORY

OF THE

Segond Pennsylvania Yete!\an Heavy Artillery.

CHAPTER I.

ORGANIZATION.

In the Summer of i86t, when the hfe or death of the nation depended on the support given by the sons of the Northern and Western States to maintain "the Union — one and indivisible," much speculation as to the result of the war was indulged in by many who had not as yet be- come aware of the necessity of immediate action on their part, or who, in other words, had not been attacked with "war fever." Others, also, there were who did not con- sider patriotism even paramount to a business requisite, and who did not care how the war terminated so long as business favored them, and, consequently, were interested in nothing except their individual welfare.

Yet, many such men, nevertheless, either through rous- ing of their patriotic blood or with personal motives in view, eventually became "a party to the transaction" as the war continued, and eventually became mixed up, in one way or another, unintentionally, in military affairs, terminating in their becoming participants in the war before its close. So it was, evidently, with some of the original officers of the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery, who, however, as

2 ORGAXIZATIOX.

will be seen, were early "weeded out." thus ena])]in,e its pa- triotic and sincere officers to make it one of the most desir- able and effecti\-e regiments in service during the war.

At a restaurant on North Second street, Philadelphia, in September, 1861, Charles Angeroth, James L. Anderson. David Sadler, Charles Roescher, John H. 01)erteuffer, Sr., William Candidus, Aaron P. Bilyeau and some other gentle- men, were discussing the merits and demerits of the then Commander of the Army of the Potomac, General George B. McClellan. who was in need of additional troops to in- sure success to his C(Mitemplated a(h'ance on the Confederate forces, when Mr. Sadler proposed raising- a battalion of men for heavv artillerv service, to take the place of troops then in the fortifications, and thus assist, in a measure. Gen. McClellan's "plan of campaign."

The proposition was the means of bantering several of those present to enlist, and culminated in ]\[r. Angeroth making application to the War Department, through Hon. Andrew G. Curtin, the then Governor of Pennsylvania, for authority to recruit a body of men, to l)e commanded by those so doing, and to serve as heavy artillerymen.

Anticipating a favorable reply to the application, re- cruiting was commenced at (^nce. and on September 24, 1861, Henrv L. Buck and Richard S. Lewis were enrolled, being the first recruits to the organization.

On October f, authority was granted Charles .\ngerotli (who had the reputation of being a man with great military experience, gained in the armies of Germany and elsewhere ) by General George B. AlcClellan, then in supreme command of the Armv, at Washington, to organize "a battalion or regiment of field or siege artillery."

A recruiting office was established on Margaretta street, below Second, which was removed shortly thereafter to 506 Vine street, where is at present located the restaurant of Mrs. Stein, relict of Jacob Stein, who lent considerable aid in procuring recruits to the new organization, he having seen service with the first three months, or "emergenc}." men.

ORCA.MZATION.

Efforts have been made to procure a copy of the order authorizing the organization of this command, but

LieUT SHEEN

GROUP OF OFFICERS

without avail. Colonel AlcClure, to whom credit is due for much of the data contained in this Historv. writes:

4 ORGANIZATION.

"When authority was given me to recruit Co. F, I was shown the order giving Charles Angcroth, our first Colonel, authority to raise the regiments. It has long been a source of regret that I neglected to make and preserve a copy of that order, and a diligent efifort made to find it among the records and papers of the regiment in proper depart- ment at Harrisburg was unsuccessful. I am therefore obliged to rely upon my memory for the details of the order, which w-as issued and signed by Major-General George B. McClellan, then in supreme com- mand of the army at Washington."

The authority to recruit the regiment stipulated that "^the officers and such enhsted men as were recjuisite to drive and care for the necessary horses" were ''to be mounted, top boots to be worn by all men, and the arms shall be sabres and revolvers (or carbines)."

The organization was to be a ''siege or field regiment, to conform to the regulations of the United States Regular Army."

Inducements offered to join the organization were nu- merous and variegated. All kinds of assertions as to the light duty to be required of men were made, and in one or two instances the handbills of recruiting officers stipulated that "members of this regiment will have nothing to do — no marching required, and as c^uarters equal to most hotels will be provided in fortifications, the men will virtually be at home."

The Captains were designated by the instigators of the organization, and the other officers for the several batteries were to be those who would secure the greatest number of recruits therefor. Sub-recruiting stations were opened in several localities, in and outside of Philadelphia.

Battery A was recruited in Margaretta Street by Charles Auer and William Troost.

Battery B was recruited at the Actien Brewery, or Actien Hall, as it was called, on Third Street, below Cal- lowhill, by Charles Shoenleber and Alexander Kost.

Battery C's headquarters were on Second Street be- low Callowhill, Joseph Loeven and Erhardt Feidler being its recruiting officers.

Battery D had its recruiting office on Second Street near Callowhill, David Sadler and Charles H. Beine being

ORGANIZATION. 5

in charge ; also on Market Street alcove Second, where Nicholas Baggs presided.

Edward S. Rowand and J. H. Oberteiiffer, Jr., re- cruited Battery E on Third Street above Arch.

William M. McClure, William Candidns, Jr., John M. Wilson and Samuel D. Strawbridge recruited Battery F at Danville, Muncy, Bloomsburg and Philadelphia.

Battery G was recruited by C. N. Cadwallader and James L. Anderson in the basement at the northwest corner of Sixth and Chestnut Streets, Philadelphia.

Battery H Vv^as recruited by Thomas W'ilhelm and John S. Jarden, on Fifth Street above Arch.

Gustavus L. Braun and Charles Angeroth, Jr., recruit- ed Battery I at Second and Arch Streets.

Battery K was recruited at Uniontown and thereabout by Amzi S. Fuller, John B. Krepps and Pressly Cannon.

As soon as recruits were received, they were sent to Charles G. Zimmerman's Diamond Cottage, a pleasure re- sort in the suburbs of Camden, N. J., where a rendezvous camp was established, and where they were drilled in the "school of the company."

There being no arms or clothing available at that time, the men were in citizen dress, and armed with clubs when on guard duty, making it an easy matter to "run the guard," as very many did, and spent most of their time in the city of I'hiladelphia.

As a large number of the men recruited in Philadel- phia at that time were Germans, and could not write or read English, many of the men in camp would write their own passes, and at a favorable time present them to a guard who was a German, who would look at it in a way to indicate he understood what was written, invariably sa3ang "alle recht," and permit the bearer to pass out of the inclosure, many of whom would not return for several days. This, however, cTid not last a great while, for the officers soon discovered the practice, and caused but one exit to be used, where competent guards were stationed.

The first Batteries to complete their complement of enlistments were D, G and H, and at ten o'clock on the

O ORGANIZATION,

morning of January 9, 1S62. these three Batteries, under command of Captain James L. Anderson, were sent to Fort Delaware for garrison chity. A ferryboat furnished the means of transportation.

These three Batteries were officered as follows :

Battery D — Captain. David Sadler.

1st Lieutenant. Charles H. Beine.

1st Lieutenant. Nicholas Baggs.

2nd Lieutenant. Edward Longmire.

1st Sergeant, James Matthews. Battery G — Captain. James L. Anderson.

1st Lieutenant. C. N. Cadwallader.

1st Lieutenant, Richard M. Goundie.

2nd Lieutenant, Joseph N. Ahhey.

1st Sergeant. Dennis AL Carroll. Battery H — Captain, Thomas Wilhelm.

1st Lieutenant. John S. Jarden.

1st Lieutenant. E. D. C. Loud.

2nd Lieutenant. Milton Benner.

2nd Lieutenant. John W. Hamilton.

1st Sergeant. Rohert S. Wharton.

Hugo Theinhardt was the first bugler in the regiment.

When the above-mentioned three Batteries arrived at P'ort Delaware, Captain Anderson reported to Captain .\u- gustus A. Gibson, of the U. S. A., who was in command there, and he assigned the several Batteries to c|uarters in- side the fort.

The officers and men at once saw a vast difference in the life of a soldier as compared with that at "Camp Anger- oth," 1)eing made accjuainted with the routine of real military service. A svstematic course of instructions and drills were imparted to them. When the weather and ground were suitable they would be taken outside the fort, so as to have more room to drill in marching and the movements of a soldier. Drills with the big guns in the casemates and on the barbette added \er}' much to their feeling of intUience. One night they were called up to stand by the guns, and were told the Confederate ram, called the "Merrimac," might come steaming u]) the Delaware, at any time, and if she should pass lun't Delaware, there would be nothing to prevent her laying Philadelphia under millions of dollars for tribute monev.

ORGANIZATION, 7

It soon developed that some men were unfit for mili- tary duty, and the weeding out process commenced at Fort Delaware. The clothing furnished to the soldiers at Fort Delaware was of good quality and in sufficient quantity to make it noticeable and appreciated by the men themselves.

During the stay at Fort Delaware a soldier died and was buried with military honors. To most of the men this was entirely a new experience, and on returning from the grave the lively airs played by the band was not in entire ac- cordance with their previous notions of the correctness of things in good taste. However, they soon learned that this was the proper thing at military funerals.

The deceased soldier was First Sergeant James Matthew^s, of Battery D.

Recruiting for the regiment continued, and the follow- ing Batteries were completed and mustered in :

January 4, Battery E — Captain, Edward S. Rowand. January 4, Battery F — Captain, William M. McClure. January 6, Battery A — Captain, Charles Auer. February 10, Battery I — Captain, Gustavus L. Braun. February 10, Battery C — Captain, Joseph Loeven. February 11, Battery K — Captain, Anizi S. Fuller. February 15, Battery B — Captain, Charles Roescher.

The reg"iment was organized with the following as its first field and staff officers :

Colonel, Charles Angeroth.

Lieutenant Colonel. John H. OberteulTer, Sr.

Major, William Candidus.

Adjutant, Charles G. Zimmerman.

Quarter Master, Aaron P. Bilyeau.

Surgeon, EHsha Griswold.

Asst. Surgeon, Richard H. Nevil.

Chaplain, John H. Hassler.

Sergeant Major, Paul L. Higgins.

Quartermaster Sergeant, William H. Melcher.

Com. Sergeant, Wm. H. Berger.

Hospital Steward, A. F. Schalhirdt.

Chief Bugler, Hugo Thcinhardt.

On the 14th day of January three pieces of artillery were received at Diamond Cottage, and the men were elated, although the "battery" consisted of one mortar.

b ORGANIZATION.

one howitzer and one brass six-pound field piece. Never- theless, they gave standing to the organization as an artil- lery regiment, notwithstanding the regiment, at that time, was usually termed "the 112th Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers," that being its number in line of Pennsylvania regiments organized.

The first drill with ''field guns'' was had on the 23d of January, 1862, and great interest and pleasure was taken therein by both officers and men.

The first battalion drill of the regiment took place on February 21st, Captain ]\IcClure and Major Candidus directing the manoeuvres.

On Sunday, February 2, 1862, the seven Batteries then at "Camp Angeroth" were ordered to "fall in" at 9 o'clock A. M. for divine services, after which they were marched to a German church in Philadelphia, where a discourse in German was listened to, the major portion of the men in attendance, however, not being conversant with the dialect used, understood little that was said by the pastor.

The first death in the regiment was Frank Gray, of Battery E, who died from smallpox, and was buried in Odd tellows' Cemetery, Philadelphia, February 12, 1862.

On Saturday, February 22 (Washington's Birthday), the regiment was reviewed by Governor Andrew G. Curtin and members of the State Legislature, who addressed the officers and men and complimented them on their "fine appearance and devotion to the State of Pennsylvania mani- fested by volunteering to leave home and friends in defence of the principles of liberty and union."

The seven Batteries then in camp at Diamond Cottage were ofiicered as follows :

Battery A — Captain, Charles Auer.

1st Lieutenant, William Troost.

1st Lieutenant, Charles Hauflear.

2nd Lieutenant, Otto Lutz.

1st Sergeant, William Gratznowsky. Battery B — Captain, Charles Roescher.

1st Lieutenant, Milton Benner.

1st Lieutenant, Alexander Kost.

2nd Lieutenant, Max Heine.

2nd Lieutenant, Frederick Mayer.

1st Sergeant, G. Pentle.

ORGANIZATION. 9

Battery C — Captain, Joseph Loeven.

1st Lieutenant, Erhardt Fiedler.

is.t Lieutenant, Charles Zeitz.

2nd Lieutenant, Decatur Holbert.

1st Sergeant, C. A. Dunkelberg. Battery E — Captain, Edward S. Rowan.

1st Lieutenant, J. H. Oberteuffer, Jr.

1st Lieutenant, Florence W. Grugan.

2nd Lieutenant, William G. Dickson.

1st Sergeant, John Ford, Jr. Battery F— Captain, William M. McClure.

1st Lieutenant, William Candidus, Jr.

1st Lieutenant, Samuel D. Strawbridge.

2nd Lieutenant, John M. Wilson.

1st Sergeant, James H. Springer. Battery I — Captain, Gustavus L. Braun.

1st Lieutenant, Charles Angeroth, Jr.

1st Lieutenant, Arnold S. Angeroth.

2nd Lieutenant, J. Moore Kelsey.

2nd Lieutenant, George C. Wilson.

1st Sergeant. Samuel H. Davis. Battery K — Captain, Amzi S. Fuller.

1st Lieutenant, John B. Krepps.

1st Lieutenant, Pressly Cannon.

2nd Lieutenant, John H. Geuissinger.

2nd Lieutenant, Joseph L. Iredell.

1st Sergeant, Peter Heck.

The seven Batteries were, on Monday, February 24, ordered to Washington, in obedience to which, at dayhght next day, tents were struck (most of which, however, were previously blown down by a violent wind storm during the night), and the command started for its destination at 12 o'clock, noon, going by way of the P., W. & B. Railroad, from foot of Washington avenue, Philadelphia, stopping first at the Cooper Shop Volunteer Refreshment Saloon, Philadelphia, for dinner.

Dinner over, the men formed in line on the street to receive tokens of regard from the patriotic citizens of Philadelphia, who were not satisfied with giving them a good dinner, but were there also to make glad the heart of the soldiers whose friends or relatives at home did not know, or did not consider, that life on the tented field was not like that at home. Motherly-looking women passed along the lines with stockings for any soldier who wore woolen stockings or socks. Young ladies followed with needle cases, scissors, thread, buttons, etc., and anv soldier who did

lO ORGANIZATION.

not ha\e tliese articles was snp])liecl by those kind-hearted Philadelphia women.

The fathers and Ijrothers did not let their wives do all the kind acts. They were there with chewing toljacco, smoking- tobacco and cig^ars. The tobacco was cut up in small squares. All those who had no money to buy tobacco were supplied with the weed.

Leaving" Philadelphia at 5.00 o'clock P. M., Baltimore was reached at 3 o'clock next morning. Here the command was dined at the "Soldiers' Rest," and being detained for want of transportation, did not leave Baltimore until 5 o'clock that evening.

Arriving at Washington about 10 o'clock on the evening of the 26th, Colonel Angeroth reported to General Abner Doubleday, who assigned the regiment to the Artil- lery Division, District of Washington, doing duty in the earthworks on the North side of Washington, and the regi- ment then marched through mud and slush, more than ankle deep, t(j the "Soldiers' Rest," where it remianed over night.

The next morning, after a poor night's rest from being overcrowded in the (juarters allotted to them at the "Rest," but enjoying a pretty good breakfast of bread, coffee and bacon, the command marched to Fort Lincoln, near I51adens- burg, where tents were pitched in a corn held, and a few days thereafter the regiment commencd doing duty in the fortifications on the North side of Washington, undc command of General Abner Doul)leday.

The fortifications consisted of a series of forts erected on every hill and connected by a ditch called a covered way. This covered way extended from one fort to the other, and was deep enough to protect men should they have to use them in case of an attack. The forts varied in size accr)rdi!ig to their j)rominence and supposed importance. Some of them re(|uired several companies, others only one or two. They all had large cannons mounted in them, and a magazine for ammunition. This was called "bomb proof," because it was supposed to be strong enough to re- sist any bomb shell that could be drop])C(l on it.

ORGANIZAIIOX.

II

GROUP OF OFFICERF.

Military roads had been constructed in the rear of these forts, so that troops and supphes could readily be mox-ed. The forts the regiment was assigned to were "Lincoln," "Bunker Hill," "Saratoga" and "Totten." Sibley tents were furnished the command. They were shaped like an Indian

12 ORGANIZATION.

wigwam. Each tent would accommodate eight or ten men, and had a stove in it. The size of the tent was doubled by making a stockade about six feet high for the base and the tent mounted on that. This gave a second story. Bunks were built on the same principle as is now used for berths in the Pullman palace cars, but far less luxurious.

One of the famous places near it was the old duelling ground near Bladensburg, just at the foot of the hill upon which Fort Lincoln was erected. This was the right of the line, which extended toward the left over two miles, and comprised, in addition to Lincoln, Forts Thayer, Saratoga, Bunker Hill, Slemmer and Totten, near which was the Sol- diers' Home, on the Seventh street road. The Batteries were changed from one fort to another occasionally, so as to familiarize them with the ground.

On the 28th of February the Batteries were mustered for pay by Lieutenant Colonel Oberteuffer, after which the men were permitted to remain in idleness a few days, visiting Washington, Bladensburg and other points ; then the regiment was put to work strengthening the forts and digging ditches, in addition to the usual camp duty.

Regimental headquarters were established at Fort Lin coin, it being the largest fort at that time.

On the loth of ]\Iarch, the Army of the Potomac, which had been laying in and around W^ashington, moved into Virginia, and the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery then assumed command of all forts on the North side of the Defences of Washington; in addition to which guards and pickets were detailed for duty in Washington, Bla- densburg and points nearly seven miles beyond the fortifi- cations. Special details of men were made daily to patrol the country thereabouts, including Bladensburg, for guer- illas, bushwhackers and such, many of which were known to be hovering about that section of country, and several of which were picked up and turned over to the autiiorities.

On the 1 2th of March, General Doubleday and staff visited and reviewed the regiment, making complimentary remarks to its line officers and suggesting to the field and staff the necessity of regimental, as well as company drills, to make the regiment efficient — a suggestion, no doubt,

ORGANIZATION.

'3

prompted by informations obtained by the reviewing offi- cers as to the lax manner in which the field and staff inter- ested themselves in the regiment's welfare.

Batteries D, G and H were relieved from duty at Fort Delaware on the 19th of March, 1862, and, embarking on transports, passed through the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal to Chesapeake Bay, thence to Baltimore, thence by rail to Washington, arriving and joining the regiment on the evening of that day, and were assigned to forts Slocum and Massachusetts, two additional forts on the left of Fort Tot- ten.

H

CHAPTER II.

THE DEFENCES OF WASIITNGTOX.

The Second Penns\hania Hea\}' Artillei'}- now being a complete body, accorcbng to the regulations of the United States Army, and ha^■ing become somewhat accjuainted with the "school of the company." battalion and regimental drills were inaugurated.

Up to March 15, 1862, the arms of the regiment con- sisted of the clubs received at Camden and a few old mus- kets, in addition to the cannon in tlie forts, but on this date the several batteries assembled at Fort Saratoga, when and where the men were supplied with Austrian muskets, and dispen.sed with tlie "shelalahs," as they termed the clubs.

They had antici])ated receixing swords and revolvers, as had been promised them, consequently (lisap])ointment was depicted on every countenance at receixing these anti- quated muskets.

The "Austrian cannons", howexcr, were soon there- after exchanged for Springfield rifles, much to the gratifi- cation of the officers, as well as the men, and the change seemed to put new life into the regiment.

The men's rations were al)undant in ([uantity and good in f|uality, and included fresh bread daily, being baked in the basement of the capitol. which was conxerted into a bakery at the commencement of the war.

The first ])ayment to the regiment was made bv }iIajor Dodge, on the ist of .\])ril, iS6j. and, in conse(|uence there- of, a "glorious old time" was enjoyed for a few days by the major portion of the regiment.

DEFENCES OF VVASIIINGTON.

15

/ :•

m'-

5v

THE DEFENCES OF WASHINGTON.

Completed and garrisoned by the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery.

The guards in and around the forts, after "taps," were required to call the hour during the night, thus: "Post number one; ten o'clock, and all's well!" the guard at each successive post repeating it until tlie farthest post was

l6 DEFENCES OF WASHINGTON.

reached, when it would again be repeated back until number one post was again reached. This was done to ascertain if any guard was asleep or away from his post. In case of failure in any one guard so calling out (which did occur on one or two occasions), the sergeant of the guard, with a detail of three men, would make an investigation, which would invariably result in finding the guard asleep.

On the 15th of April the first order for battalion drill was issued by the Colonel, but when the several Batteries reported for that purpose at Fort Saratoga, he changed the order, and dress parade was had instead. The Batteries, however, had battalion drill on the 17th at the same place, on which date Captain Anderson, of Battery G, was mus- tered in as Junior Major of the regiment, and at once took a manifest pride in improving the regiment's knowledge of military tactics, and bearing great stress on the line officers to become perfect therein.

The regiment was inspected and mustered for pay by Captain Halstead on the 30th of April, 1862, on which occasion a much improved interest was manifested by the officers and men, evoking comments of approval by the in- specting officers; the credit for which, no doubt, being due to the officers of Batteries D, H and G, who had profitted by their experiences under Captain Gibson at Fort Dela- ware, and also that of Captain McClure, of Battery F, who had gained considerable military experience during the three months' service. Inspired by the expressions of Cap- tain Halstead, the several Batteries took on a new interest to become perfected in drill, each appearing to vie with the others to become perfect, to which end drilling became a pleasure, not with the officers alone, but by the enlisted men as well. The daily drills involved also practicing with the artillery, the gunners becoming quite expert in a short time, both with the smooth-bore and Parrott rifled ord- nance.

Discipline in the regiment at this time was very lax, officers, from Colonel down to lieutenants, mingled and messed with the non-commissioned officers and privates, thus tending to divert the latter of respect and obedience due the former, and, consequently, preventing the regiment

DEFENCES OF WASHINGTON.

17

from attaining any special degree of enconium among the inhabitants of Washington, or the "powers that be."

Colonel Angerotii seemed to take little pride in the regiment, spending more than one-half of his time in Washington, leaving no one in particular to look after the wants of the regiment, and the men done pretty much as they pleased.

M		A f
1 ^r
if -rw'-	=^|''-1=^-V^^
"-■"^2 — -;
mm

OFFICERS AND 100 LB. PARROTT GUN.

Fort Lincoln.

The different characteristics of the officers and men soon began to show themselves. The majority of them were faithful, patriotic and earnest, and rapidly advanced in knowledge and usefulness. There was the usual number of derelicts that are inevitable accompaniments of all times of excitement and especially of war.

Soon there began to be rumors that the officers were not military men and did not know how to drill and get the best service out of the men. The state officials at Har-

lO DEFENCES OF WASHINGTON.

risburi^ were \ery jealous of the care, discipline and effici- ency of the ^•oh^nteers, and were in such close touch with them that any complaint, even from enlisted men. would re- ceive consideration. This wail of complaint finally gath- ered in such volume that an "Examining Board" was ap- pointed to test the field officers, to see if they were com- petent to handle such an important body of men. These "Examining Boards" were an expeditious way of getting rid of inefficient officers.

Some of the field officers were ordered before the board and were found so incompetent that they were advised to resign, which they did. But if they had not resigned, charges would have been preferred and they would have been tried by court martial. It was a bitter disappointment to them. They were happy and contented in their posi- tions, and it is said one of them remarked: "W'hy could they not let us alone : we were all making such a good liv- mg?

This wholesale retirement of officers naturally resulted in demoralizing the entire regiment somewhat. Desertions became frequent, and the process of weeding out those who were not fully able-bodied reduced the regiment so rapidly that recruiting again became necessary.

Becoming disgusted with the indifference and inca- pacity of the Colonel, the staff" and battery officers eventu- aly made unmistakable eff'cM'ts to have him pay more atten- tion to the regiment's welfare and efficiency, by outspoken expressions of dissatisfaction, but without avail ; conse- quently, on the 20th of April, Major Candidus attempted to have a petition signed loy the officers for the examina- tion of Colonel Angeroth by the Examining Board. Not being successful in this, he ])referred charges against the Colonel on the 22d of Ai)ri]. which culminated in the resig- nation of Colonel Angeroth being tendered, and he was discharged on the 21st of June, 18C2.

Early on the morning of May 24th picket firing called the regiment into the forts to man the guns in anticipation of an attack. On sending out messengers to the picket line, it was ascertained the firing was caused by small bodies of the enemy, presumably guerillas, being discovered

DEFENCES OF WASHINGTON.

19

prowling about the woods in front of Fort Thayer. Details were sent out to capture them, but were not successful, as, being- mounted, they gallopped off on being discovered.

On May 26th reports reached the forts that General Banks was retreating towards Washington, and many ad- ditional regiments of infantry and cavalry were sent to support the garrisons in the forts.

The men of the regiment were made happy on the nth

DETAIL (Battery F) and 32 LB. PARROTT GUN. Fort Lincoln.

of June, 1862, when the paymaster mad.e his appearance and handed over two months' pay to them, which, at that lime, was twenty-six dollars, being at the rate of thirteen dollars per month.

Captain McClure, and the other officers, on the 23rd of June, reported to the Provost Marshal secret movements made by certain residents of Bladensburg, and on the 29th

2D DEFENCES OF WASHINGTOX.

the Board of Officers met and investigated the matter, as well as the reported atttack on Fort Slocnm. made a week before.

After the retirement of Colonel Angeroth, the com- mand of the regiment fell on Lieutenant Colonel Oberteuf- fer, who, with his staff and line officers, was very anxious to get a competent man for Colonel, Oberteuffer himself pre- ferring to retain his rank as Lieutenant Colonel.

Those officers who were on duty at Fort Delaware prior to going to Washington, and who had become ac- quainted with Captain Gibson, were naturally inclined to think he could "fill the bill," if the Government would sanc- tion his doing so.

On the petition of the officers of the regiment, Captain Gibson, of the 2d U. S. Artillery, was given a leave of ab- sence from the regular army, and, on the 25th day of June, was appointed to command the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery, which announcement gave great satisfaction to the officers and men who were desirous of making the regi- ment one to l)e proud of, and who were in the service for honor as well as duty and pay, many of whom were even spending somewhat of their personal funds to advance tlie stamina and appearance of their commands.

Colonel A. A. Gibson arrived at Fort Lincoln on the 3rd of August, 1862, and at once assumed command of the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery, having the officers in command of the several Batteries report to him the va- cancies therein, and, also, such propositions as, in their judgment, would be to the interest of the regiment.

This led to a reorganization of the Second Pennsyl- vania Heavy Artillery, many promotions being made to fill vacancies caused by those who were "requested" to re- sign, as the new Colonel, being a graduate of West Point, as well as a Mexican War veteran and strict disciplinarian, saw what was wanted to redeem the standing and advance the interests of the regiment, by having- "none but compe- tent and self-respecting officers in the regiment."

The new Colonel took great pride and interest in the regiment, and inaugurated means to have it well drilled in

DEFENCES OF WASHINGTON. 21

both light and hea\ y artillery as well as infantry tactics, as required of heavy artillery by the regulations of the United States service, to which he added frequent inspections, dress parades, battalion and regimental drills, the result of which eventually enabled him to rightfully claim having the best disciplined and drilled regiment of volunteers in the United States service, demonstrations of which claim he proved in competition with other regiments in the defences of Wash- ington making the same claim.

Details of officers, commissioned and non-commissioned, as well as of enlisted men in several instances, were fre- quently sent out from the regiment to instruct officers and men of other regiments in tactics of the army, acknowledg- ments as to their abilities to do so frequently being given by those who came under their tuition. Captain E. P. Webb, in his " History of the loth Regiment N. Y. Heavy Artillery," says :

"Officers from the One Hundred and Twelfth Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery were assigned to Battalions as instructors in heavy artillery tactics, under whose instructions the officers and command became quite efficient in heavy artillery drill, the commissioned officers meeting at headquarters at stated times for instructions in light artillery tactics."

On the 1 6th of August, 1862, Major Candidus ten- dered his resignation, which was accepted on the 23rd, and Colonel Gibson mustered the regiment on the i8th, re- porting the absentees, in consequence of which several offi- cers were discharged, and commissions requested for others to replace them. Among the former were Adjutant Zim- merman and Quartermaster Bilyeu, who were succeeded respectively by Lieut. Florence W. Grugan, of Battery E, and Quartermaster Sergeant William H. Melcher, formerly private of Battery D. Captain David Sadler, of Battery D, was promoted to Junior Major, the Senior Major being James L. Anderson, he having been promoted thereto vice Major Candidus, resigned.

Other changes, of minor importance, took place among the officers of the regiment, on account of the weeding out thereof, and the regiment profited greatly thereby, par- ticularly so by the promotion of Wm. H. Melcher, who was

22 DEFENCES OF WASHINGTON.

a very competent man for the office of Quartermaster, and who, in reahty, had filled the position very satisfactorily as sucli wliiie his superior g'ot the credit and compensation for doing nothing.

Orders to draft 300,000 men for the army was issued by proclamation of President Lincoln on the i6th of August, 1862, in addition to a call for 300,000 additional volunteers. Tlie former order had the effect of creating great excite- ment throughout the Northern States, and in the city of New York considerable rioting took place. Init the effect of the draft stimulated volunteer enlistments, and the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery profited very perceptibly thereby.

Rumors of Pope's army being driven back were circu- lated around the fortifications of Washington on the 28t]i of August, 1862, and the following day the 136th Regiment P. V. encamped near Fort Lincoln, giving credence to the rumor, in consequence of which some changes were marie in garrisoning the several forts, and on the 30th cannonad- ing at Bull Run could be plainly heard in the fortifications garrisoned by the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery.

ALarching orders were issued on August 27,. but were immediately countermanded, the regiment being required in the fortifications, to strengthen which Colonel Gibson had ])lanned great improvements and its supervision thereof required his presence, as well as other officers of the regi- ment, in carrying out the plans.

Battery D was stationed at Fort ^Massachusetts, and on August 28, 1862. was transferred to forts on the Virginia side of the Potomac river, where it remained until after the second battle of Bull Run, when it marched back to Fort Massachusetts.

On the 29th of August, the 136th and 137th Regiments of Pennsyhania Volunteers, two regiments of infantry, whose services were for nine months, were sent to the forts occupied by the Second Pennsylvania Hea\y Artillery, and were drilled in artillery and infantry tactics by the officers and enlisted men of the last named regiment, lioth officers and men of the former regiments being mixed in promis- cuously with squads of the latter regiment for that pur-

DEFENCES OF WASHINGTON. 2^

pose. These two infantry regiments felled the timber on a belt of over two miles in front of the forts, and, about 4 o'clock a. m. on the 7th of September were sent to the Army of the Potomac, then near South Mountain, leaving their baggage and tents, which were stored at Fort Totten by Captain AlcClure's Battery F.

From the first to the sixth of Septeml)er, 1862, the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery was called upon to do extra duty in picketing, guarding fords, roads and bridges, in addition to garrisoning the forts, requiring large details of men and officers to continue on such duty twenty out of every twenty-four hours, owing to the enemy having crossed the Potomac river into Maryland, and the capture of Frederick City by Lee's army.

I'he regiment commenced building a line of ritle pits near Veitch's House on September nth, and the following day it built a large masked battery in the copse west of Fort Lincoln, in addition to other smaller works along the line of the fortifications, which, when completed, comprised a continuous and impregnable chain of earthworks.

The rapid building of these earthworks by the regi- ment was stimulated by hearing cannonading, and. at times, musketry, in the direction of Harper's Ferry, and later at points nearer, terminating on the 17th of September with the battle of Antietam.

After the "weeding out" of the regiment, it was deter- mined to increase the number of batteries to twelve, of 150 men each, to which end recruiting was again actively begun, officers being sent to Philadelphia and other parts of Pennsylvania for that purpose in October, 1862, among whom were Lieutenant Benjamin F. Winger, Sergeant Adam Ferguson and Private Daniel Heney. of Battery D, who were to seek recruits in the Cumberland Valley. They arrived at Chamljersburg, on October loth. just before noon, and in tlie afternoon Stuart's Confederate Cavalry, twenty-five hundred strong, with a light battery, raided and captured the town. Sergeant Ferguson was captured by W'ade Haiupton's men, but Lieutenant ^\'inger and Private

24 DEFENCES OF WASHINGTON.

Heney evaded the enemy, and secured, in a short time, one hundred and sixty-seven recruits for the regiment.

A band of Confederate sympathizers, that nightly congregated at a house on Massachusetts avenue, just inside the hne of forts, and not far from Fort IMassachusetts, was discovered by members of the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery, and details were made to watch the house day and night, when it was observed that signals were made to the Confederates nightly by lights and during the day by flags. The house was raided and some fifteen or twenty persons were captured and turned over to the authorities.

It was at this house Captain Jarden. of Battery C, was reputed to have dined on the evening of November 8th, 1863, and died suddenly at Fort Thayer the next day. Drugged liquor, as well as poisoned food, was. said to have been administered to him.

Two independent Batteries of light artillery that were doing duty at Fort Delaware, commanded by Captain Paul T. Jones and Captain David M. Schooley, were on request of Colonel Gibson, added to the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery on the 24th day of November, 1862, and were designated Battery L and Battery M respectively, thus making the regiment consist of twelve Batteries.

In September, 1862, the regiment had not only be- came well drilled and disciplined but had strengthened and rebuilt all the earthworks under its control.

The fact that no effort was made to strengthen the forts Massachusetts and Slocum, which were mere earth- works carelessly thrown up late in the fall of '61 or in the early part of '62, when the Confederates were in Maryland, is evidence sufiicient to warrant the conclusion that the au- thorities did not deem it necessary to strengthen these two forts on that part of the line when the enemy was in Marv- land.

That forts Massachusetts and Slocum were rebuilt in a substantial manner as well as the batteries near Fort Lin- coln, was due to the military foresight of Col. Gibson. Those two forts were not built after the plan of Lincoln, Totten, DeRussy, Bunker Hill and Saratoga, but the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery and the First X'ermont Ar-

DEFENCES OF WASHINGTON. 25

tillery in conjunction remodeled those two forts into supe- rior earthwork fortifications.

From March, 1862, until sometime in the summer of that year Batteries K and E, located at Fort Saratoga, left camp at 6.30 a. m. daily and marched to Slocum, where they worked until evening, returning to camp about 6 or 6.30 p. m.

After rebuilding, Fort Massachusetts was designated Fort Stevens. Had it not been for the work done by the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery, or rather, had Forts Massachusetts and Slocum remained as they were in 1862, Gen. Early would have had no difficulty in reaching Washington City by route of the Seventh Street road. The masked battery referred to above, built by Battery K, under the command of Lieutenant Pressley Cannon, and which was afterwards known as Battery Cannon, did full duty in protecting the Union army from Confederate bullets.

Historians will not likely condescend to give credit to this regiment's part of the defense against Early's attack, but it is well known, that Early came too late to take the Capital City of the United States by the way of Seventh Street road, as was proved by the defense offered there by those forts so well planned and built by the officers and men of the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery.

One of the largest and best topographical maps made during the war was made by a detail of ten men belonging to Battery G, of the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery, under the leadership of Robert Hodascowich, a graduate of the Military School of St. Petersburg, Russia, who was then a private of Battery G. The map created quite a sen- sation among the topographical engineers at Washington, inasmuch as it was not only complete, but that it was the largest known to have been executed up to that time.

After the battle of Antietam, relief was had from the excessive duty required of the regiment, and on the 17th of November, 1862, the Batteries garrisoning Forts Massa- chusetts, Slocum and Totten were relieved by the First Regiment of Vermont Artillery.

Lieutenant Samuel D. Strawbridge, of Battery F, was mustered as Captain on December 13th, 1862, and assumed

26 DEFENCES OF WASHINGTON.

command of Batter}- I on the folic )\vin_^- niornir.g. succeed- ing Captain Gustavus L. Braun, who resigned on the 12th. The change of officers made a very satisfactory and salu- tary effect on the men of the Battery, as the new commander was well liked, and took great pride in drilling and looking to the interest of his men.

In January, 1863, the regimental headquarters were removed from Fort Lincoln to the plateau between Forts Thayer and Saratoga, and the regiment composed the "First Brigade Defences North of the Potomac," Colonel Gibson commanding. The following month the brigade was at- tached to Harkin's Division of the Twenty-Second Army Corps.

Soon after taking command of the regiment at Fort Lincoln, Colonel Gibson had organized from among the enlisted men thereof a band of musicians, which soon be- came very proficient under the leadership of Professor Per- rie, and President Lincoln became very partial to it, as, except on rare occasions, such as public inspections, reviews, or dress parades of the regiment, he had it performing daily at the White House.

The regiment was very proud of its band, and appre- ciated the stirring music rendered on many a weary march, as well as its faithful services as stretcher-bearers on many a battlefield. One of its members, John A. Crossley, was wounded July 15, 1864, while performing that duty, dying three days after.

During the winter of '62-'63 the men and officers had consideraljle society, both in Washington and near the forts. Many of them had their wives in the neighborhood and there was considerable visiting among the residents, although it was known that many of them were Confederate sympa- thizers.

Among the latter, residing a short distance from Fort Lincoln, were two very attractive young ladies, who were also very entertaining, and whose company many of the officers of the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery court- ed, but their efforts to do so were "flanked" by Richard W. Eggert and another private of Battery F. "Dick" was known as the "one man orchestra," and his performances

DEFENCES OF WASHINGTON.

27

on the guitar at the home uf these young huhes insured his presence in preference to officers at their "evening parties," and on one occasion they made open confession to the offi- cers present that "Mr. Eggert is our most welcome guest on all occasions." Lieutenants Iredell and Higgins were the targets for the remarks.

The regiment was ir.spccted and mustered by Major Anderson on the 31st of I)eceml:)er, and the same day Lieut.

JAMES STREET.

BaUerv I.

William S. Bailey reported for duty in Battery F.

Major Morrell paid the officers and men of the regi- ment on the 19th of January, 1863, in consequence of which passes for Washington were in great demand, and when re- fused "French leave" invariably followed. Where the ap- plicants for passes were sol)er and trustworthy, little diffi- culty was experienced in procuring them ; while, on the other hand, they were invariably refused. Those entering

28 DEFENCES OF WASHINGTON.

\\ ashington without passes to do so, in nearly every in- stance, would be "picked up" by the patrols and taken to the Central Station, where, if any indication of intoxication existed, a shower bath and twenty-four hours incarceration without food would be administered.

Lieut. James H. Springer was assigned to Battery F on the 22d of January, 1863, having been promoted to Second Lieutenant on the 2d inst.

Major Fillson, of the Regular Army, inspected the regiment on the 31st of January, and took occasion to congratulate the officers and men for "the splendid manner in which the regiment presents itself on this occasion."

Except being mustered for pay on February 28th, nothing beyond the regular routine of drilling, guard and picket duty, with a casual Battery inspection, took place in the regiment until the loth of April, 1863, when a special muster of the whole army took place, in which the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery was included.

A dress parade of the regiment was had at Fort Sar- atoga on the 1 2th of April, 1863, on which occasion many hundred officers and about 3000 visitors witnessed the dis- play. The regiment was in full numbers, very few men being excused from participating in this event, as the daily papers had announced it to be Colonel A. A. Gibson's great- est effort to display his grand regiment of volunteers on this occasion, and the verdict of the press next day announced it to have been "a grand demonstration."

The regiment was drilled daily at the guns in the forts, about this time, and considerable target practice was in- dulged in, particularly at Forts Lincoln, Thayer and Sara- toga, in which the several Batteries took turns, and the gunners became so efficient that there were very few who could not hit the target nine out of every ten attempts.

A dress parade of the regiment at Fort Saratoga on Sunday, April 19th, 1863, was witnessed by many visitors, among whom were Generals Augur and the colonels of sev- eral regiments laying in and around Washington, and for the gratification of the latter some manoeuvering was made. On these occasions Colonel Gibson and his subordinate of- ficers took great delight in having officers of other regiments

DEFENCES OF WASHINGTON. 29

present, notice of the events invariably being given out a few days before, thus enabhng many to witness the events that otherwise would be impossible for them to do. The invitations to be present were generally issued at the insti- gation of the general commanding, who done so to have the manceuvering as an object lesson to officers of undrilled regiments.

Major Morrell again paid the regiment, for three months' services, on the 25th of April, and on the 30th of the same month, Colonel Warner again inspected and mus- tered it. These two officers were the guests of Colonel Gibson on the following Sunday, May 3, when dress parade and review of the regiment took place at Fort Saratoga.

After the battle at Chancelorsville, the Second Penn- sylvania Heavy Artillery was again called on to do extra duty, as most of the infantry regiments that had been lying near the forts were withdrawn and sent to the Army of the Potomac, the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery fur- nishing extra guards, patrol and pickets to cover the field made vacant. Nevertheless, the regular Sunday dress pa- rades were continued, when the weather permitted, and on May 17th, the usual details for duty were reduced one-half, thus enabling the several batteries to make a much larger turn-out on dress parade that day.

On the 26th of May, 1863, Batteries F and G were called upon to do extra work on the forts, but refused, and other Batteries followed suit, which action of the men promised trouble, but on considering the grievances of the men, the officers managed to avert any serious trouble, and, except a reprimand by Colonel Gibson on the 31st, when he inspected the regiment, at Fort Saratoga, nothing further was dene in the matter.

After the 24th of June, 1863, the men on picket and guard duty were admonished to be very vigilant, and the officers of the several Batteries were almost constantly on duty to keep the men on the alert for stray bands of the enemy, on account of Lee's army advancing towards Penn- sylvania. No one capable of doing duty was excused, and no passes to Washington were issued until after the 7th of July. The battle of Gettysburg, which was fought on the

30

DEFENCES OF WASHIXGTOX.

1st. 2nd and 3rd of July, resulting- in the defeat of the Con- federate army by General Aleade. relieved the Second Penn- sylvania Heavy Artillery somewhat of doing excessive duty. Many men of the regiment, during Lee's invasion of Pennsylvania t(M)k "French leave," returned to their homes and, joining the Army of the Potomac at and around Get- tysburg, were engaged in defending' their homes and fire- sides to the letter, as v.ell as the spirit, of their enlistment.

FIRST SERGEANT EDWARD O'NEILL.

Balterv K.

Many such men were killed, wounded or captured, and to this day some are marked on the records as "deserters ;" and, owing to that fact, those recorded as such in the roster at this time may be thus accounted for.

On the 14th day of July. 1863, the Second Pennsyl- vania Heavy Artillery's heacUiuarters were removed from Fort Lincoln to the plateau between h""orts Bunker Hill and Slemmer, under a clump of line shade trees, and soon there-

DEFENCES OF WASHINGTON. 3I

after it was decided to g"i\'e the several Batteries more per- manent quarters than the Sibley tents. So each was fur- nished with lumber, and barracks were erected. These were one-story frame, about 40 feet wide and 100 feet long-. The carpenters and handy men were detailed from the Bat- teries and set to work. Nearly all of the buildings were done in time for the cold weather. They were set up two or three feet from the ground, so there would be a good circulation of air in every quarter. This was the same prin- cipal that had been adopted in the army hospitals, which proved to be the true thing, and has been followed in all hospitals since, as near as could be.

About this time Battery D was moved to Bunker Hill and wintered there with Batteries A and B.

Lieutenant Benjamin F. Winger, of Battery D, who had been detailed, July 13th, by Major General Heintzle- man, "Acting Assistant Inspector General for First Brigade Defences North of the Potomac," inspected the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery, July 18, 1863, and on the 27th of the same month. Major Morrell, the paymaster, made his appearance and settled accounts with the regiment for services. On the 31st the regiment was again inspected by Colonel Gibson, who took occasion to flatter the officers and men for their "greatly improved appearance and bearing in so short a time," and directed the officers of the several Batteries to permit as many of the men as could be spared to witness the review of the light batteries on August 3rd, which took place near the Lincoln Hospital, fifteen light batteries participating there- in, and was considered a grand affair.

Rev. John Hassler, the first Chaplain of the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery, occasionally held divine ser- vices, but as few men attended them he became disinterested in his mission, and resigned on the 4th day of August, 1863.

The regiment was reviewed and mustered at Fort Saratoga on the 31st of August, 1863, and again mustered for pay, by the commander of the post, on the 31st of October, 1863.

Captain John S. Jarden, commanding Battery C, was taken from Washington to his quarters, at Fort Thayer,

32 DEFENCES OF WASHINGTON.

on the night of November 8th, and was found dead the next morning. A mystery surrounded the 'affair, which, after investigation, it was rumored that he had been poi- soned at a house on Massachusetts avenue, where he had spent the evening with a party of pronounced Confederate sympathizers. The house had been "pulled" once in 1862, as before mentioned, but nothing was done with the parties arrested, and, evidently the occupants at the time of Captain Jarden's death were supposed to be responsible therefor, although nothing was done in the matter. Jar- den's body was taken to Philadelphia and buried in Monu- ment Cemetery, at the southwest corner of Fifteenth and Norris streets.

Lieutenant Winger again inspected the regiment on the 22nd of November, 1863, and on the 29th of the same month Captain Amzi S. Fuller, of Battery K was placed under arrest, but nothing of import resulted therefrom.

A brigade drill was held near the Magruder Mansion, on December 12, 1863, Col. Gibson commanding, and all available men of the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery were required to participate, followed by regimental drills daily until the i8th, preparatory to a general inspection and review on the latter date, by General Barry, but as the day proved to be very inclement, the event was postponed.

The weather continued to be very disagreeable until the end of the year, in consequence of which Colonel Gib- son, on the 31st of December, mustered the regiment with the Batteries remaining in their several quarters.

In the latter part of 1863, a weeding out of men not physically strong enough to perform field duty was inau- gurated, and such men were transferred from time to time to a body of troo'ps organized by the government to do patrol and guard duty in and around Washington, which was known as the "Invalid, or Veteran Reserve Corps." Many men were transferred from the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery to the new organization during 1863-65.

During the winter of 1863-64, considerable new blood was infused into the regiment, by the addition of some more competent officers and able-bodied young men, and the rank and file began to feel and realize that the regiment

DEFENCES OF WASHINGTON. $S

was quite an important part of the defenses of W'ashin.^ton,

It was a well known fact that the President had great confidence in the regiment and did not want it to leave the defenses, although many officers and men were anxious for duty in the field or at the front, and quite a number of them commenced to agitate the matter, evidently as a more cer- tain means of being promoted ; and as new recruits to the regiment came in such great numbers during the winter months that there were enough to make another regiment — the rolls swelling to over 3600 men — some extraordinary arrangements were required to be made, and it was sug- gested to form another regiment from the surplus. The right was granted recruits to choose the regiment to which they were to be assigned, thus preventing them being as- signed to other regiments without their consent ; so the suggestion of another Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artil- lery, with "Junior" or "No. 2" added, to properly desig- nate them, was urged by many who were in order for pro- motion, believing, of course, officers for the new regiment would be taken from the experienced men, commissioned and non-commissioned, of the old regiment, which was verified in April.

Colonel Gibson gave offence to one or two of his sub- ordinate officers and men. whereupon charges were pre- ferred against him, which were referred to a Court of In- quiry for adjudication.

The Court of Inquiry in the case of Colonel Gibson convened on the 25th of January. 1864. and, after witnesses against him were all heard, he read his defense thereto on the 27th of the same month, when the Court adjourned to meet on Wednesday. March 2nd, 1864. The final session was held on the 7th of March, when the Court declared the charges unsustained.

After the muster out of Chaplain Hassler in August, 1863, the officers and men of the regiment desired to have another Chaplain appointed, the outcome of which was the selection of Rev. Thomas P. Hunt, who was mustered as Chaplain on the 8th of February, 1864. The following letter, written bv Colonel Gibson, on the 6th of November, 1877. will best describe the new Chaplain:

34

DEFENCES OF WASHINGTON.

In the fall of 1863 there came to the Headqviarters of my brigade in the Defences of Washington a stranger, whose aspect and demeanor so vividly impressed me that I shall never forget the moment. It was the Rev. Thomas P. Hunt, to make an official report for duty as Chaplain of the 2d Penna. Heavy Artillery, — the 112th in the consecutive order of registration. His predecessor, Rev. John Hassler, a quiet, unobtrusive, good man, was dissatisfied with the office, in which, to repeat his words, "he could find so little to do," and therefore conscientiously resigned it. A meeting of the officers was held to nominate his successor, which the Governor duly confirmed. All that I knew of the appointee was through the officers, and this only in their assurance that I would be pleased with him. But when I first saw him I could hardly believe that there was not some mistake. Not that vigor and determination were lacking in the expres- sion of his countenance, whose physiognomy was apostolical; but the whiteness of his hair and flowing beard, and apparently feeble body created misgivings of his ability to be equal to the activities and exposure of service in the field. The line of his duties extended about five miles from Fort Slemmer on the West to Fort Jamison upon the Eastern Branch in the vicinity of Bladensburgh.

The regiment was crude, but every man was a Pontsylz'anian, willing to obey and ready to receive instruction; but its elements were heterogeneous. Lifted from the reach of social influence and civil law, and not yet reduced to subjectiveness by military discipline, there were, more or less, acts of lawlessness induced more by the novelty of change and freedom from accustomed restraints, than by inherent disposition to do wrong. Here was an urgent demand for the right kind of Chaplain; one of tact, common sense and knowledge of human nature, of shrewdness, quick perception, genial sympathies, consistency and love of purpose: for when men are massed and moved by arbitrary will, they will soon learn to read character, to discuss it and to dissect it. They distinguish their superiors by unerring conclusions, and for the reason that their thoughts and visions are irresistibly directed to the central influence of their welfare. He believed that he was called to his work; that in accepting this appointment he was responding to God's behest; for in no other way, said he, could he account fo'r his sudden departure from the resolve in obedience to the wishes of his family, not to take the field again. After being settled in office, he approached me upon both personal and official relations. First, he requested to be called "Father Hunt," as heretofore the boys had been accustomed to call him; and then he desired an understanding between us of our distinctive spheres of duty, which he defined in clear, concise words which could not be misapprehended; to which I gave a ready assent, with gratification that he knew his place so well, and inferentially the duties attending it. From that moment began a mutual confidence which continued unbroken with never a shadow upon it, save that which was cast by our final separation from official relations. He com- menced with the Colonel as he ought to have done. Not many days afterwards as I was about to mount my horse, an orderly delivered a message — something irritating — for my words were emphasized with oaths. Swearing had been habitual with me for more than thirty years, and this was a period that vastly promoted it. Father Hunt, unobserved, was near by, and as I mounted he made some remark upon the matter in question, and then added: "But what is the use of swearing?" I looked him straight in the eye, and his eye was fixed on mine. His look was pleasant, his voice soft, there was nothing indicative of reproof, but a calm complacent aiipeal to the understanding. I continued my gaze uiion him perhaps half a minute, but my thoughts were far within me; then I said: "There's no use! I'll stof' it!" and added, "But the habit is so strong that I fear my tongue may sometimes slip." "Never mind that." he said, "but hold to the resolution." At another time he entered my (luarters chuckling in a (luizzical way, and exclaimed: "What do you think? The boys want to know what can have hap- pened to the Colonel. Thev sav they haven't heard him swear in two months." I siieak of this to illustrate his tact. His religious sentiments did truly generate his fervid jiatriotism, and converselv, his countrv's cause offered a new field of oi>pnrtunitv which sanctified his ministry. His haunts were alike the barracks, the hospital and the trenches. Men shoveled with more alacrity when he was about, they consociatcd more fraternally in their (luartcrs. and he was a visible relief to the languid sufferer on the sick bed. He "could be all things to all men." Jocund or serious as tlie occasion prescribed. Kvery anecdote was made subservient to the purpose as a Biblical text. His example of willing devotion enhanced by the veneration of years was a potent aid to his instilling powers. Youth lent freshness to age, and duty kept constant watch of the fleeting hours. Tliere was no moment vniimnroved, and utility was the spur of his activitv. Even his amusements were objective and his curiosity distilled from observation some truth to be sought. Restless in in(|uirv. his philosophic mind clothed his re- searches with thought as original as solid. Ivvidently the man of such parts must die with the harness on. What wonder tiien the regiment became a model?

DEFENCES OF WASHINGTON. 35

The propensity to forage wholly disappeared insomuch that gardens intersected by trenches and common passways were in undisturbed security without guara or patrol. Drunkenness was a rare occurrence. Passes freely given were seldom violated; and the officers abstained altogether from the exercise of arbitrary punishment. Justice demands the admission that all this was brought about largely by the influence of its Chaplain in supporting and impressing corrective orders. His pulpit was improvised of anything he could stand upon, and the place was anywhere of convenient assemblage. He preached in the open air with his hat on as often as under the shelter of a roof, and always in the appropriate manner and practical direction to do the most good. It was his intention to have a chapel built, but before the arrangements could be completed the regi- ment was moved to another part of the defences across the Potomac. Hut not in the preacher did the works of the Chaplain most abound. The volunteer looks back to his home whether as sentinel on the night watch or on the weary march, or engaged in the detail of garrison life. His domestic interests, ever dear to him, hang upon his thoughts, and he cherishes them the more tenderly, and desires to return to them the more eagerly, because his absence is temporary^ and his pursuit, so opposed to his habits, is not professional, but an enforced duty. Here the confident adviser finds intimate use and need of his office to inspirit and encourage the despondent; for the soldier needs heart in his duty as well as pluck to perform it. For this our Chaplain was abundantly fitted by his extended experience, observation and profound study of the human heart. His power of facile adaptation to any situation, his quick perception of require- ments, together with the advantages derived from previous service of three months at the outset of the Rebellion, enabled him to accept the responsibilities of his office in the confidence of helping the cause. "I can promote it, though I may not fight," he said; promote it by infusing the soldier with his own spirit, elevating sense of duty, strengthening resolution and animating courage; all of which makes men more manly, and without doubt when they turned over their arms and resumed their wonted places and work as civilians, they were better men for these lessons of discipline in the field, and few who understand it will fail to yield the grateful acknowledgment of due credit to the Chap- lain. * * •

And now approaches the moment when I must speak of relinquishing the charge of the regiment, which, God be my witness, I tried to keep well, and of which I can truly say nothing in the experiences of my profession gave me greater interest, or more painful pleasure to put away. Father Hunt knows all about it. In addition, a more selfish sorrow aggravated this regret, the loss of the companionship of one whom I had learned to respect and to love, to lean upon as a pillar of wisdom. * * * I parted finally with Father Hunt, July 20, 1864, — if that can be called parting which separates the body but leaves the spirit distinct in Faith's perpetual relief, and the drapery of his works.

One quiet sunny Saljbath we walked over to Fort Saratoga to attend divine service. The text of his discourse was then prophetic of the fulfillment of his life: "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord; from henceforth, saith the Spirit. Yea, that they may rest from their labors and their works do follow them."

A. A. GIBSON.

Fryeburg, Me., November 6, 1877.

Chaplain Hunt's description of Colonel Gibson follows :

After remaining at home with the intention of resting in my old days, I was again and again invited to act as Chaplain by several regiments. Among these applications was one from the 2d Penna. Heavy Artillery (112th). I knew but one officer in it, but there was something so frank and gentlemanly in the Colonel's (A. A. Gibson's) letter to me, that I determined to accept the position. To my amazement I learned that the Colonel, of all men in the army, had the least confidence in chaplains, and that I must expect rough times with him. But I knew that if I did my duty he would not iniure me. So I determined to go on. Arriving at Fort Bunker Hill, or the defences of Washington, I found the Colonel absent. He had left a note politely inviting me to make his headquarters my home until other arrangements could be made for me. He returned in the afternoon and received me cordially. But he had formed some habits too common for West Pointers, and I saw at once that they would cause us trouble. When we retired to his private room, he expressed his gratification at my acceptance of the chaplaincy. I told him I was not mustered in yet, and did not intend to be, unless we could understand each other, so as to render our intercourse mutually agreeable. I wished to know what he expected of me as a gentleman and an

36

DEFENCES OF WASHINGTON.

officer. He fairly and frankly gave me his views. I told him I thought I could comply with them, but he should know what I expected of him. I expected to be treated in all respects as a Rcntleman and Christian, and to be sustained in all my official efforts to repress immorality and to enforce the rules of morals in the army. He said my position was a reasonable one, and we would have no difficulty on that subject. I then asked him if he thought it would be treating me as a gentleman and Christian to repeat such conversation in my presence as I had heard from him that afternoon. Would I be doing my duty to suffer it? If not abandoned, did not my duty require that I should report it to the Adju- tant General? I intended to do my duty. He said he had met a Chaplain with my views, but he approved of them and would try to co-operate with me and would correct his own habits so as to give me no pain. I told him that I had no doubt of his sincerity in saying so, but how could he hope to succeed while his nature was unchanged? He must be converted; born again, before he could cease to do evil. This led to a long conversation that lasted till after midnight. The result was one of the most pleasant things that has ever fallen to my lot. The warmest and most sincere friend I have is this Colonel, and I have great faith in the expectation that our friendship will be perpetual, reaching into that unending joy and love that makes the name of Jesus, who saves from sin, not only precious now but glorious forever. I would love to record the letters I receive from him if I could do it without seeming impropriety. I hesitated to write what I have already written about him, but hope I have not invaded the domains of strict delicacy in doing so.

Honorable Andrew G. Curtain, Governor of Pennsyl- vania visited and reviewed the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery on the loth of February, 1864, his presence and remarks made to the officers and men were received with great satisfaction and rejoicing, and on the 12th of Feb- ruary, another review and brigade drill of the regiment (the regiment then composed a brigade) was witnessed by the Governor in a large pasture field near the Magruder Man- sion. Among other remarks made on this occasion, Gover- nor Curtin said :

"So far as I know of military manoeuvering, and what I to-day witnessed, I am proud to say Pennsylvania has furnished a regiment of men to the United States that will compare with any other such organi- zation on the face of the earth, and I congratulate you, officers and men of the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery, being that regiment; and I feel confident your record will be equally maintained in battling with the enemy should opportunity present itself to test your fighting qualities."

Among the officers of the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery were many young and talented men. Some of the brightest of these were assigned to the different staff duties requisite at the various headquarters. One of these was Lieut. Edward S. Colwell, of Battery L, who for some time had l)een on duty at Col. Haskins' headquarters in Washington. He was mounting his horse on March 7, 1864, j^renaratory to taking some part in a movement of

DEFENCES OF WASHINGTON. T^J

the day, when his horse reared and threw him, and as he fell he struck his head against the curbstone. He died the next day. This was the first violent death in the regiment, and it made a deep impression upon the men, who felt it as a personal loss to themselves, especially those who formed his comradeship at Fort Delaware, which had grown into a warm friendship.

As illustrating the feeling at the time, the action of the officers of the regiment in regard to his death will be the best shown in the following:

"Headquarters ist Brig. Haskins' Dis., 22A A. C, Fort Bunker Hill, D. C.

March 9, 1864. Orders.

It becomes our painful duty to announce the death of a comrade and fellow soldier, First L,ieutenant Edward S. Colwell. He died at three o'clock last evening from injuries received by a fall from his horse in Washington the day previous.

Lieutenant Colwell entered the service as Second Lieutenant of Captain Paul T. Jones' Independent Battery, at Fort Delaware, in December, 1861; he joined the regiment by the transfer of that battery in November, 1862; was soon after made First Lieutenant, and early last summer was appointed to the staff of the Division Commander. His military career was distinguished for the uniform blending of courtesy with devotion, cheerful promptitude with industry, quick perception with sound judgment. To those who knew him his best eulogy is the impression which he left upon their hearts; to those who do not, it is not in words to convey the beauty and worth of his character, and the bright promise of his usefulness so suddenly closed. By this melancholy event his friends and the regiment sustain a loss that is measured only by the sorrow which it creates. Honor the memory of the Christian soldier, faithful to his country and his God.

II. All duty, not necessary to discipline, is suspended in the Brigade for the day, and the flag will be at half-mast until sunset.

III. The officers of the Second Pennsylvania Artillery are respectfully in- vited to meet at headquarters at 10.30 o'clock this morning for measures of respect to the deceased.

By Command of Col. A. A. Gibson, U. S. A.

^ Signed) BENJ. F. WINGER,

Lieut. A. A. A. Genl.

The following is from the proceedings of a meeting of the officers of the Second Pennsylvania Artillery, assem- bled at Regimental Headquarters, Fort Bunker Hill, D. C, March 9, 1864, in pursuance of Col. Gibson's orders of that date :

"On motion, the Rev. Thomas P. Hunt, Chaplain, took the chair, and Lieut. Thos. K. Mumford was appointed Secretary. On motion, Major Thomas Wilhelm, Captain Edward Rowand and Lieut. J. Norris were appointed a committee to prepare resolutions expressive of the regret felt in the loss sustained by the death of Lieut. Edward S. Colwell, a brother officer; which were presented and adopted unanimously as follows:

Resolved, The remarks that 'Heaven loves to gather to itself the lovely,' is seldom more forcibly brought to mind than in the sudden and unexpected removal of Lieutenant Edward S. Colwell from friends mortal to join friends immortal in the light and love of eternity. If, in the light of Him wlio searches the heart. Lieutenant Colwell ever lacked one thing that thing was supplied by Him who giveth liberally to the needy. In the eyes of men he represented a character in which there was nothing wanting. In him was daily seen progression from

38 DEFENCES OF WASHINGTON.

strength to strength and a cultivation and exhibition of love to truth for truth's sake and devotion to every duty from a love of duty, and a regard to the rights of all from a love of right; so that he ioyfully, faithfully, wisely, winningly ren- dered to Csesar the things that were Caesar's, and to God the things that were God's.

Resolved, That on hearing of the death of our deceased friend and comrade, and since that time, we can and do truly express our feelings in the words of Montgomery:

'Our hearts grew cold, they felt not then, When shall the.y cease to feel again ?'

Our consolation must be found in resignation to God, and our profit in emu- lating and in remembering the virtues of our friend.

Resoli'ed, That our sympathies be extended to the parents and family of the deceased, with the assurance that while we mourn with them their loss, we also rejoice with them in the privilege of mourning over one worthy of those tears and sighs that know no regret or shame.

Resolved, That we wear the usual badge of mourning thirty days.

Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be furnished to the family of the deceased, and that these proceedings be published in the 'Philadelphia Inquirer' and 'National Intelligencer.'

THOMAS P. HUNT, Chaplain 2d Artillery, P. V., Presiding."

In the spring of 1864, General Grant, who was then in command of the Armies of the United States, l^egan reorganizing the Army of the Potomac, preparatory to a march on the Confederate capital, and, to give better as- surance of success to his plan, he began drawing on the Defences of Washington for seasoned and drilled troops. replacing them with others just recruited.

President Lincoln insisted on the old troops being leti for the defence of Washington, but Gen. Grant assured him that the best way to protect Washington was to send these old troops towards Richmond. The prestige Gen. Grant had gained in the West made his opinion as a mili- tary man of great weight with President Lincoln and finally prevailed.

Lieutenant Winger, A. A. Gen., held a review of the brigade (Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery) with some other troops, on the 19th of March, near the Magru- der mansion, and on the 21st inst. Major Morrell made his appearance again, paying the regiment for three months' services.

Rumors of marching orders were mentioned on the 24th of March, and on the following day orders were issued to the Captains of the respective Batteries to cook one day's rations and be prepared to march at ten o'clock the next morning.

On the 26th of March the regiment packed knap- l/sacks and marched to Forts Ethan Allen and Marcy, just

DEFENCKS OF WASHINGTON. 39

across the Potomac, at Chain Bridge, on the Virginia side, where it reheved the 4th N. Y. Heavy Artillery, which went to join Grant. The mud and slush were ankle deep, the atmosphere very depressing, and consequently many fell hy the wayside, unahle to keep up the pace of the marching, which was very fast for troops unacquainted with marching' under heavy marching orders.

All the Batteries, except B, C and M, were assigned to garrison duty in Fort Ethan Allen, while those Bat- teries designated were assigned to Fort Marcy.

The Second Pennsylvania Fleavy Artillery was then the First Brigade of DeRussey's Division, Twenty-second Army Corps, and Colonel Gibson continued to be the com- mander of the Brigade.

\\Miile at these forts, many incidents occurred, among which was an attempted midnight attack on ^May 3 by \y^ Moseby and White of the Confederate army. The picket firing commenced about twelve o'clock, and the bugles sounded "fall in" shortly after. In five minutes after the bugle call was sounded. Batteries G and D were inside Fort Ethan Allen and C at Fort Marcy, ready to man the guns. The other Batteries soon followed the advance, and Col- onel Gibson, in complimenting the men while in the forts, stated that every Battery was inside the forts and ready for action in less than ten minutes after the picket firing commenced. It is true many entered the fort half dressed, the writer himself carrying his blouse, shoes and stock- ings in his hands. The only thing objectionable to the manner in which the boys entered Fort Ethan Allen was the hurrah way in which it was done, and Colonel Gibson called attention to the fact, but added :

"It tilled me with joy to see tlie eagerness, promptness and cheer- fulness displayed hy my conmiand to meet the enemy, and it will in- spire in me the fullest confidence that you will do your full duty with credit whenever the opportunity presents itself."'

Immediately after the picket firing ceased, a detail was sent out from each fort to ascertain the cause thereof, with the result that a body of cavalry was seen approach- ing and refused to halt at command of the videttes. and,

40 DEFENCES OF WASHINGTON.

until the cheering heard from the forts, continued to ad- vance, driving the pickets in for some distance, but wheeled and fled as soon as they heard the cheering.

After daylight, about lOO men, under command of Lieut. Philip Newkumet, of Battery C, were sent out to scour the country thereabouts, with the result that two men and a woman were brought in under guard and searched. The men were found to be wearing three suits of ^ clothes each — farmer, Confederate and U. S. navy — and were sent under guard to Washington. The bodies of two other men, killed by the picket fire, were brought in, and were found to be dressed in garb similar to those two who were captured.

A few nights after the above occurrence, the vidette from picket post No. 5, on the Leesburg Turnpike, was wounded in the foot and ear by bushwhackers. Sergeant \^ Gramlich, of Battery B, was relieving post No. 4 about 9 o'clock, when he saw the flash of a musket in the woods in front of Post No. 5, and then the flash of the rifle of No. 5 vidette. He cried out: "Cease firing! Lay down!" and hastened to No. 5 post, about fifty feet distant, where he ascertained the picket had been wounded with buckshot. Sending the wounded picket to the fort, under escort of Corporal John Super, of Battery C, to report the firing, Sergeant Gramlich hurriedly gathered sixteen of his pickets and scoured the woods, arresting an old man and a boy 4iear Little Bethel Church, but they were released by Col- onel Gibson after questioning them, they proving their innocence by an alibi. Lieutenant Barber of Battery M, with fifty men, a Sergeant and a Corporal were sent out from Fort Marcy to scour the country, but accomplished nothing; thus the incident was ever after referred to as "the turnpike mystery," and gave rise to many debates as to "who shot No. 5 ?"

Soon after occupying Forts Ethan Allen and Marcy, the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery was drilled in \ heavy marching order daily, and then, with knapsack, haver- sack and forty rounds of ammunition to carry, the men began to realize the true recjuisites of active soldier life. Howe\er, very little, if any, complaining could be heard

DEFENCES OF WASHINGTON. 4I

among the men, they evidently reaHzing its necessity, and the regiment soon thereafter reaHzed the benefits derived therefrom.

The regiment having become numerically too large to constitute a single regiment, the War Department, on the i8th of April, 1864, issued an order to organize the sur- plus into a separate regiment, which was done under Spe- cial Orders No. 153, on the 20th of April, 1864, and the new regiment, composed mostly of new recruits, was known as the Provisional Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery, officers for which were supplied by promotions of commissioned and non-commissioned officers of the Sec- ond Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery.

This new regiment lay in camp near Fort Ethan Allen until the 26th of April, when it marched to Alexandria, Va., and was soon thereafter attached to the Ninth Army Corps.

Prior to the Provisional Regiment leaving. Colonel Gibson paraded the old regiment and had it escort its off- spring about two miles on its march to Alexandria ; then, with open ranks, gave it a parting salute, with "Present arms!" as it passed through.

There was never a promotion in military life that some one does not feel hurt, and the organization of the Provisional Regiment was no exception to the rule. A great deal of power naturally fell into Colonel Gibson's hands in the selection of new officers, and many of the old officers were sorely vexed and disappointed at not being considered in the appointment of ofificers for the new regi- ment. Partiality was openly charged and fully discussed in all quarters. The feeling of dissatisfaction was so acute that many officers did not speak to the Colonel or go to his headquarters for some time except as duty or military eti- quette required. This feeling continued to grow until the old regiment was also ordered to join Grant, at the front.

The dissatisfaction in the old Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery was openly recognized by Colonel Gib- son in an appeal for good feeling on the part of all that he made one day on dress parade at Fort Ethan Allen, just

42 DEFENCES OF WASHINGTON.

before the regiment left the Defences of Washington and embarked for the front.

On the 1 6th day of May, 1864, Colonel Gibson re- ceived orflers to l)e ready to move the Second Pennsyl- vania Heavy Artillery at short notice, and on the follow- ing day, about 4 o'clock P. M., Batteries A, G, H and I fell in and marched to Fort Whipple, about five miles farther down the Potomac river, where the command was split up and garrisons were sent to Forts Smith, Bennett, Strong, Corcoran, Morton, Cass, Scott, Albany, Jackson, McPher- son, Morton, and one or two others, relieving troops there- in, that they might join Grant's army at the front. The several details of the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery- at these forts w^ere daily engaged in drilling other troops, among them being the 164th Ohio Volunteers.

On the 23(1 of May, 1864, Colonel Gibson removed his headquarters from Fort Ethan Allen to Fort Corcoran, leaving Forts Ethan Allen and Marcy under command of Major Anderson, who continued the daily drills commenced by the Colonel.

Orders were received at five o'clock A. M. on the 25th of May, 1864, to cook five days' extra rations, and be prepared to march at 12 o'clock noon. Other troops not being sent to relieve the regiment, the orders w-ere not fully executed, but were repeated on the 27th of the same month, when the whole of Colonel Gibson's regiment was relieved by a battalion of "too days' men" from Ohio, and at 7 o'clock A. M. the regiment marched to Washing- ton, by way of Fort Whipple and the Acjuaduct bridge, the several detachments at the forts before mentioned fall- ing in line as the regiment reached them.

1'he regiment passed in review at the Executive Man- sion, or White House, as it is better known, President Lin- coln and Secretary Stanton being of the reviewing party.

Passing down Pennsylvania Avenue to Sixth Street, thence to the I'otomac ri\er, the regiment embarked on four transports — "N(jrthemer," 'A\'awassett," "Young Amer- ica" and "Ocean Wave" — at noon. The "Northerner" be- ing much the larger boat, and the fastest, had the field and staff officers on board, in addition to four l)attcries of the

DEFENCES OF WASHINGTON. 43

regiment, the balance thereof being about equally divided among the other three boats. The crowding on the boats was rather uncomfortable, and, to many, they were con- sidered "hazardous tubs to be upon."

However, the boats left port about 2 o'clock P. M. that same day, and proceeded down the Potomac river, thence up the Rappahanock, nothing special transpiring until just before daylight the next morning, May 28th, after entering the last mentioned river, when the "Northerner" and the "Wawassett" began to race. After proceeding thus for about a mile, the machinery of the last named boat broke down, and the "Northerner" took it in tow, but when oppo- site Tappahannock station, about thirty miles below Port Royal, the "Northerner" ran fast aground on a shoal. While in that position, a Confederate battery of six guns took position on the hill back of Tappahannock station, and was, apparently, preparing to fire on the grounded boat, but just at this critical moment the U. S. gunboat "Georgia" hove in sight and, firing two shots in rapid succession, dis- abled two of the enemy's guns, killed three or four horses, and put the enemy to flight ere they could lire a single shot.

After the Confederates retreated, the "Georgia" went alongside the stranded boat and many of the men thereon were transferred to the decks of the gunboat, thus permit- ting the transport to again float.

In transferring the men from the transport to the gunboat, the guard of the former became caught under that of the latter, and when released it caused the "Georgia" to lurch, one or two men sliding off the deck as the lurch took place, one of whom was slig'htly hurt, the other receiv- ing a ducking only The rocking of the gunboat con- tinued until Port Royal was reached, where the regiment disembarked, at four o'clock that afternoon, May 28, 1864.

Mrs. Susannah Krips. wife of William H. Krips, Battery C, was with the regiment in the fortifications around Washington in the capacity of laundress, as were some three or four other women, but when the Second Pennsylvania Artillery left for the front, ]\Irs. Krips, im- bued with a desire to continue in the work of aiding the cause in some capacity, applied for and received an a])point-

44 DEFENCES OF WASHINGTON.

ment as nurse, and continued as such until the close of the war. The following is her experience :

Philadelphia, December 2, 1903.

Mr. Ward: On the loth of December, 1863, I left Philadelphia, Pa., to join my husband, William H. Krips, a member of Battery C, 2nd Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery (112th Regiment Pa. Vols.), then stationed at Fort Thayer, Defences of Washington.

By permission of Colonel Gibson and Lieutenant Higgins, I was installed as laundress for Battery C, and in that capacity was with the regiment eight months.

While with the regiment I enjoyed perfect respect from all the men, except on one occasion at Fort Thayer, when, after the regiment had been paid, in January, 1864, a member of Battery C, under the influence of liquor, came to Mrs. Well's cabin, where I was visiting, and acted very rude. He was put out by my husband and Mr. Wells, when he drew a knife to stab them. He was arrested by the guard after trying to hide in some bushes, and later was court-martialed and sentenced to three months with ball and chain.

Shortly after that the regiment went to Fort Ethan Allen and Fort Marcy, across the chain bridge. With my chattels I went in a government wagon, and the boys secured for me a nice log cabin, just outside the fort, on top of a hill and about a half mile from the Poto- mac river, on the Leesburg pike. Batteries B, C and M occupied Fort Marcy, under command of Major Anderson. I had charge of the officers' table for about two months, when Mrs. Baker, wife of Corporal Baker, and their daughter, took charge of the mess. I then had the clothes of 94 men to look after.

Mr. Krips was detailed as detective in General Augur's depart- ment. During his absence a colored woman came to my cabin one night and said she saw "Massa Moseby riding up the creek on his horse," and on investigation it was found to be true that he was so reconoitering. Pickets were stationed at the creek thereafter.

A short time later one of Battery C's men was shot in the big toe by one of Moseby's men. He was the first man in the regiment shot by the enemy.

One morning in April, when the pickets returned to the fort and fired their rifles off at a target, as was the custom, Corporal Hill per- mitted me to fire his musket. The target was an old tin coffee pot placed on a stump one hundred yards distant. I hit it square in the centre, and the boys cheered me as an "Amizonian."

When the regiment was ordered to the front all the women were ordered home, except me. Major Anderson said if I wanted to go to the front with the regiment I could do so. Papers were made out to send to General Augur for my transportation, but I changed my mind, and turned my attention to the great need of help in the hos- pitals.

It was a sad day to me when I waved good-bye to the boys, and, alas! for the last time to many of them, for they never came back; and I shall never forget the 27th day of May, 1864, as a very sad event, though I entertain pleasant recollections of my services in the defences of Washington.

DEFENCES OF WASHINGTON. 45

After the regiment left for the front I went to Capitol Hill Hos- pital, in Washington, where I served a short time as nurse, and was then transferred to Jarvis Hospital, at Baltimore, Md., and later to Slough General Hospital, at Alexandria, Va., where I remained until the war was over, and the hospitals were being closed and the men transferred to other hospitals in the Northern States, near where were their homes.

I now look back to my army life and career of over two years with great pleasure, and thank God I was able to fight disease and wounds and save many lives of our brave boys who fought and suffered to save the glorious flag and country we now adore and enjoy.

Yours for 'Old Glory,'

MRS. SUSANNAH KRIPS, S>'. Vice-Pres. Army Nurses of Civil War.

Prior to leaving Washington, many officers and men of the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery were detailed to remain and drill the fresh troops garrisoning the fortifi- cations ; a few officers also remained to finish up work assigned them. Among the latter was Surgeon Griswold and Quartermaster William H. Melcher, both of whom, however, rejoined the regiment on its arrival at Cold Har- bor a week later, reaching there via White House Landing.

Lieutenant Thomas Porterfield, replying to the toast : "The Defences of Washington," at the reunion of the Sec- ond Pennsylvania Veteran Heavy Artillery held at Watson- town, Pa., in 1893, said:

"Comrades, let me assure you that I utter no mere words of formality when I say to you that I am glad to be with you once again. I look forward to these reunions in anticipation of a great deal of pleasure, and number them amongst the most happpy hours of my life.

Assembled here to-day, memory apparently losing its hold upon the present, turns back and paints in tints of youthful rem.embrance events that have long since passed and gone. There comes back to us the camp, the march, the fray, and the dreadful battle, where so many of our comrades fell ; what fond memories cluster around these old familiar names of Forts Lincoln, Thayer, Saratoga, Bunker Hill, Totten, Massachusetts, Marcy and Ethan Allen. There we first formed these ties of comradeship which bind us together, and bring many of you from far distant homes to renew these old memories, and to pledge ourselves anew to keep them ever fresh while a single survivor lives. It was there that our grand old regiment earned for itself the well merited title of being the best drilled and best disciplined regiment of any in the volunteer service — not only in one branch of military tactics, but in all the varied arts and usages of warfare. There was not an enlisted man in the regiment who would not have done honor to an officer's commission in so far as the "School of the Soldier" was concerned. By your conduct as gentlemen and soldiers you en-

46 DEFENCES OF WASHINGTON.

deared yourselves to the citizens and authorities, and so secure did they feel under your protection that they scarcely knew war existed, aitliough almost on their very threshold. 1 utter this in no vainglori- ous boast, nor pronounce it from any self-laudatory spirit, I avouch it on well recognized and proven facts, the truth of which has been fully verified, and for which you were complimented upon more than one occasion by President Lincoln himself.

When the Second Pennsylvania Artillery assumed command of the "Defences of Washington," they were defences in name only, having no real existence — mere piles of earth thrown up promiscuously here, and there, without any detail whatever. When you delivered them into the hands of your successors they were the admiration of every loyal heart and a terror to every enemy of the Union. They were the work of your hands; the creation of your brain; monuments of skilled labor, which will stand to your honor while this Nation has a history.

The Defences of Washington occupy a very prominent part in the history of the War of the Rebellion ; they are said to be the most formidable of their kind ever before known. The most skilled officers and engineers, not alone of our own Government, but of foreign nations, who had come from afar to view them ; men who had made this branch of warfare a life studj-, pronounced them impregnable, acknowledged that they had learned from you something new in the art of war.

There is nothing, however, the soldier wearies of more than this daily routine of duty. You were no exception to this rule; you longed for a more active service ; your officers, entering into the same spirit, sent petition after petition to the authorities asking to be at once relieved and ordered to the front. No sooner, however, were they made known than counter petitions followed from the citizens, and the authorities themselves, having a special pride in your ability to guard well the post of honor to which you had been assigned, viz. : guarding liberty at its very gates, refused to comply with your request. The final blow, or what at that time was considered to be the final blow, at Rebellion had been planned. Then at the earnest request of General Grant himself they at last yielded a reluctant consent to your withdrawal. There were those at that time who doubted your ability, unused as you were to withstand the fatigue of long marches or the hardships of the battlefield. As an answer to all such, let your record speak. Your march from Cold Harbor to White House Land- ing had never been equaled, while of your bravery in the battlefield the daily papers of the country speak in no unmistakable language after your first engagement with the enemy in front of Petersburg, i quote from the headlines of the Philadelphia Inquirer as follows: "The Second Pennsylvania Heavy .A.rtillery in Battle! Doing Duty as Infantry, Their Maiden Effort Crowned with Victory. Bravery Unprecedented ! They vie with older troops in the field, and v.on piaise tiom iheir connnanding officers. Every foot of ground hotly contested by the flower of Lee's .■Xrmy. A grand Union victory." 1 hus it was until the surrender at Appomatox, and long after you ir.crited the same praise.

Comrades, many of your faces are still familiar to me, though more than a quarter century has passed since 1 bid you farewell at Fort Harrison. There are t)thers whom I would have loved to meet here to-day; many of them since the close of the war have gone to

DEFENCES OF WASHINGTON. 47

join their comrades whose white tents shine through the mist beyond the river. Their record has been completed, whether they yielded up their lives in the tented field or on the battleground; whether victims of a loathsome prison pen, and lie buried in an unknown grave; whether members of the old regiment, or comrades of the new, they have served their country and did their whole duty.

Comrades, standing here to-day, calling to mind one short chapter in your history, it shall ever be my fondest memory — my proudest boast — to say with you that I, too, am a comrade of the Second Penn- sylvania Veteran Heavy Artillery."

48

CHAPTER III.

On the March.

The Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery, after dis- embarking at Port Royal, went into camp about a quarter of a mile from the landing, with other troops, and while at Port Royal guard and picket duty was its daily avoca- tion, interspersed with some drilling.

The regiment, while at Port Royal, was attached to a Provisional Division of troops formed there to protect the left flank of the Army of the Potomac on its march to Richmond.

The time consumed at Port Royal was employed in getting together the necessary supplies, supply trains, etc., in order to consummate a forced march toward Cold Harbor.

The Provisional Division consisted of the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery, the Tenth New York Heavy Artillery, a regiment of stragglers, deserters, etc., under command of Colonel Gregory, Capt. John B. Eaton's battery of light artillery, a squadron of cavalry, and a pontoon train in charge of Capt. Henderson, all under com- mand of Colonel Gibson.

After formation of the Division, five days' "marching rations" and eighty rounds of cartridges were issued to the men. Among the rations was hard biscuit (hardtack), the first of that commodity ever enjoyed ( ?) by the men of the "Second Heavy," and it certainly was hard, and, as one man said, "old enough to vote."

ON THE MARCH.

49

ROUTE OF MARCH. Port Royal to Cold Harbor, Va.

The command left Port Royal about 1.30 o'clock P. AI., on May 31st, after having destroyed by fire all surphis clothing, baggage, etc.

50 ON THE MARCH.

The atmosphere was very hot, the roads very sandy and dusty (some places over shoe top), as well as heated by the intense rays of the sun.

The route of march led toward Bowling Green, but nothing appeared to indicate fighting having taken place thereon, the fences and crops, as well as stock, fowl, etc., being in pretty good condition.

After the first day's march the sun's effect began to cause prostrations, and the men started to unload, throw- ing away such articles of clothing as they thought they could spare. Soon the road was littered with overcoats, blankets, caps, coats, blouses, pants, underclothing, and even drums. The latter, having been issued to the regi- ment just before leaving Fort Ethan Allen, was a new "instrument" to the regiment, but was unpopular, as the men were accustomed to bugle calls and preferred them to the "rat-a-ta-tap." After the second day's march it is questionable whether a single drum could be found in the regiment.

Moseby's and White's bands of guerillas were con- stantly on the flanks of the Division, occasionally causing extra marching and countermarching of the Division, evi- dently to evade them at points where the nature of the ground would give them advantage in a conflict, and again in efforts of the Division officers to bring on a conflict when it favored successful results to them.

The first day's march was concluded about 11.30 P. M., with but 15 minutes given for rest from time of commencement to when tents were pitched for the night, in a large clover field on the left of the road. With the cavalry on guard, the Ijalance of the Division slept until about 3 o'clock the next morning, June i.

After breakfasting, the march was resumed. The weather was still intensely hot, very many men being pros- trated and sunstruck before noon, at about which time Mat- tacocy creek, a branch of the Mattapony river, was reached, then Bowling Green, the first water in any quantity had since leaving the Rappahannock at P(^rt Royal.

[Tere a halt of over one hour was had. wliich was

ON THE MARCH. 5I

utilized by the men of the Division in cooking what rations they possessed, making coffee, etc.

To iUustrate the intensity of the sun's rays that day, the writer, in scouting- to the left of the road, came across a spring of ice-cold water, from which he filled his can- teen, and after its being exposed to the rays of the sun less than fifteen minutes it became so hot that it was almost impossible to drink it without blistering the mouth.

The march from Bowling Green was taken up about 1.30 o'clock P. M., and no halt was made until the Matta- pony river was reached at Milford Bridge, Where a rest of about ten minutes was had, after which the march was continued until about lo o'clock P. M., at which time the atmosphere suddenly changed and a very severe rainstorm set in. The Division then went into bivouac in a corn field to the left of the road, the command having marched about sixteen miles that day.

Some time in the afternoon, after leaving Bowling Green, the Division passed the remains of some govern- ment wagons destroyed by Moseby when he found them encumbering him in his efforts to evade a conflict with Col- onel Gibson's command.

On June 2d, about 3.30 A. M., "fall in" was sounded, and without time to get any breakfast being given, the march was resumed, rain continuing to come down in torrents, interspersed with peals of thunder and vivid flashes of lightning; the atmosphere being very suppress- ing. The Pole Cat riv^ was crossed about 10 o'clock A. M.

The rain ceased about 2 o'clock in the afternoon, and the sun, almost immediately, again made its appearance, "in all its glory," as Colonel Gibson remarked to Colonel Piper of the Tenth New York Heavy Artillery.

About 9 o'clock A. M. a fork in the road was reached, where a halt was made to rest, but in less than five min- utes' time "fall in" sounded, and the column, on the double- cjuick, marched to the rear. "What does this mean?" "Is this a retreat?" and many other such queries were pro- pounded by one man to another.

After so "retreating" about five miles, a burning bridge on the Pole Cat river was discovered, and it was then ascer-

52

ox THE MARCH.

tained that the rapid "retrograde movement" was made to intercept INIoseby's band of guerillas before it crossed the above-named river ; but he had successfully eluded his pur- suers, burned the bridge behind him, and the only satis- faction derived from the "movement" was to see the bridge burn and the dust made by Moseby's troopers on the op- posite banks of the stream, not a shot being fired by either of the opposing forces. After this incident some ten or fifteen minutes were spent in resting, after which the col- umn again moved forward and shortly after the booming

LEW. C. FOSNOT

BaUery G. Publisher of the h'ccoid ami Star, Watsontown, Pa.

of cannon to the right and front of the Division could be plainly heard, possibly six or eight miles distant, but. ap- parently, moving forward from time to time, indicating a running fight being carried on between the Army of the Potomac and the enemy.

The Division continued the marcli until near midnight. when it went into bivouac in a clover field, the men lying on arms during the night.

ON THE MARCH. 53

Rain had again commenced to descend about 9 o'clock P. M. and continued throughout the night.

While on the march, no fires were permitted after nightfall, consequently very little opportunity to cook any rations was had. The only exceptions being when some daring soldiers would build a fire, cover it over with shelter tent, blankets and portions of their clothing, to obscure the light therefrom while cooking, doing so at the peril of carrying the "wooden horse" next day if discovered.

The fourth day of the march, June 3, 1864, found the men in line again at 5 o'clock A. M., the command, "Forward, march"' being given shortly thereafter, and the first rest given the men was near noon, at Aylett's tavern.

Except the sound of cannon and musketry, occasion- ally, to the right of the column, nothing of importance pre- sented itself until about noon, shortly after which time the desultory firing to the right became more pronounced and continuous, indicating an engagement in force taking place.

The marching of the Division was increased to a double-quick at intervals during the balance of the after- noon, when, footsore, weary and almost completely ex- hausted, a halt was made about seven o'clock, the ambu- lances, wagon trains, etc, being overloaded with men who had ceased being able to continue the march, the severity of which was trying in the extreme to the powers of the most capable men participating therein. After a short rest, the column again moved forward, halting about midnight, near the Pamunky river, having covered over twenty miles that day. No tents were pitched, the men and officers as well, completely exhausted, lay down where they stood when halted and the command "rest" was given.

At 4 o'clock A. M. of the following day, June 4th, marching was resumed. The Pamunky river was reached, the pontoons hurriedly laid and the command crossed over about 2 o'clock P. M., when the pontoons w'ere taken up and_the march continued.

The cannonading and musketry firing heard in the early part of the day ceased, and nothing but an occasional shot by skirmishers or sharpshooters was heard.

During the afternoon of this dav General Burnside's

54 ON THE MARCH.

Ninth Corps headquarters were passed by the Division. Then leaving the Mechanicsville pike, the Division turned to the left, passing through a grove of pines, after which, about 4 o'clock P. M., the Provisional Second Pennsyl- vania Heavy Artillery was met and a mighty shout of joy from each regiment echoed throughout the woods as the "Second Heavy" men shook hands with the "boys" of its offspring. Some of the men had a good time shaking hands in a jolly manner, while others were saddened at the news of the loss of dear comrades with whom they had parted alive and happy a short month before, but were now sleeping the sleep that knows no waking on the fields of Spottsylvania, North Ann, the Wilderness and other places made sacred by their heroic deeds of valor.

Marching on until near midnight over some of Mc- Clellan's corduroy roads, in the best of spirits from having met the "Provisional boys," the regiment, weary and sore from a day's march of over twenty miles, bivouaced in a clump of woods until daylight.

June 4th, 1864. (Received 4.10 p. m.) General S. Williams:

I have arrived at General Warren's headquarters with my com- mand, 6,350 men, who have had no rations or forage since ycsterdaj'. By General Warren's advice, I shall camp near Woody's to-night, and request to be furnished with rations at that point if possible. I have a pontoon train and 150 wagons, containing nothing but a little baggage.

A. A. GIBSON, Colonel of the Second Pennsylvania Vol. Artillery.

Headquarters Army of the Potomac,

June 4th, 1864 — 8.10 p. m. Maj. Gen. W. F. Smith,

Commanding liightcenth Army Corps: The Tenth New York and the Second Pennsylvania Regiments of Heavy Artillery brought to this army to-day with the command of Col. A. A. Gibson, have lieen assigned to your corps. These regiments are to-night in the vicinity of the Woodv house.

S. WILLIAMS,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

After a night's rest, the Division again fell in about 5 o'clock on the morning of June 5th, and at about nine o'clock A M. Colonel Gibson reported with his command to Gen. S. Williams, Asst. Adj't General, who assignied the regiment to General William V. Smith ( "Baldy Smith"),

ON THE MARCH, 55

commanding the i8th Army Corps, at Cold Harbor, which was stationed on the left of the Ninth Corps.

The Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery was then assigned to the Third Brigade of General Martindale's 2d Division of the i8th Corps, Army of the James, and went into camp beside a band of Indians, who were used as sharpshooters.

56

CHAPTER IV. Cold Harbor.

Footsore, weary, hungry and straggling, the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery, without rations or water, pitched tents immediately after assignment, and rations were soon thereafter served the men, but water was scarce and very bad at that. Quartermaster Melcher and Surgeon Griswold, who were left in Washington to fix up matters pertaining to their office, rejoined the regiment on its ar- rival at Cold Harbor, they having gone there from Wash- ington via White House Landing.

Up to this time the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery knew nothing about "graybacks," except from hearsay, and what appeared in newspapers, but it had not long been in camp beside the Indians before every man in the regiment gave unmistakable evidence of personal ac(iuaintance with the soldiers' companion that had the reputation of sticking closer than a brother.

Soon after going into camp, without waiting to pitch tents, many men of the regiment went over to visit com- rades and relatives in the Provisional regiment, and there learned of the latter regiment's losses in the Wilderness battles.

On the march from Port Royal to Cold Harbor, o\-er 65 miles, without counting the retrograde movements, there were very few men in the Division who had not suffered, more or less, from the heat, and on arriving at Cold Harbor were \er}' hungry. Nearly every member of the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery appeared very haggard and worn out, and as they had had nothing to eat the last two

COLD HARBOR. 57

da3's of the march, added to the tired and sore conchtion of the regiment, its abihties to go into action that day were far below par; nevertheless it was formed in line of battle about 12 o'clock, June 5, and without a murmur, advanced to a position in an open field immediately in front of the enemy, who commenced a terrific cannonade upon it, how- ever without any serious consequences, for the regiment was ordered to fall back under cover of a hill, which was done in perfect order and alignment. Here rations were issued to the regiment by Quartermaster Melcher, and were fylly appreciated and relished by the men.

My Dear Comrade Ward:

You remember I was the Quartermaster of the Second Pennsyl- vania Veteran Heavy Artillery, therefore my duties kept me in the rear, and, consequently, can only give you the experience of one who knew what was going on there.

I was ordered to remain in Washington when the regiment started for the front, to transfer a lot of army stores I had in my possession, which required three days to accomplish. Surgeon Griswold and I went to White House Landing on the steamer "Daniel Webster," and from there to Cold Harbor, arriving there five days before the regi- ment did. We were like lost sheep, with nothing to eat, our stock of terrapin, chicken, etc., having been eaten on the way down.

Soon as the regiment arrived at Cold Harbor we reported to Colonel Gibson. I found our wagon train was rather close to the "front," and suggested taking them farther to the rear, out of harm's way. The Colonel, with a wave of his hand, said : "Oh, take them around there !" indicating about 30 yards away. I did so and asked Adjutant Grugan for a double guard, which he granted. I then instructed the teamsters to unhitch the teams, but not to take off the harness. The Adjutant wanted to know the necessity for a doub'e guard. I explained that our position was too close to the enemy, and they would soon shell us ; and without a substantial guard the teamsters might create a stampede. I had hardly said so when the shells commenced to drop around us, and at once we hitched up and "fell back in good order," with the loss of but one old canteen, the property of the writer. That was my first experience in the "shell game." But many times after that we enjoyed (?) a repetition, as occasion required our presence near the front. In fact, T became. at times, reckless, in order to know what was going on at the front, but am now glad it is all over, and that I belonged to a regiment whose services and achievements compare favorably with the best volunteers — the nation's hope — in the War of the Rebellion. Yours in F., C. & L..

WM. H. MELCHER, 1909 W. Venango St., Philadelphia.

That night, about 8 o'clock, the enemy charged the i8th Corps picket line, when the Second Pennsylvania

58 COLD HARBOR.

Heavy Artillery was again quickly formed into line of bat- tle and advanced to support the pickets, but as the pickets held their position the regiment returned to camp without getting into action.

The regiment's stay in camp was of short duration, for about 10 o'clock that night it was again formed in line and marched to a position immediately in rear of the picket line, where the regiment was put to work in felling trees and building fortifications, the enemy keeping up a heavy and continuous fire upon it with artillery and mus- ketry throughout the night ; nevertheless, the regiment con- tinued with its work until about 7 o'clock A. M. of the 6th of June, when it was moved some distance to the left and lay on arms until about 7 o'clock P. M., when it moved forward some distance and was again engaged in build- ing breastworks and batteries until daylight of June 7th, at which time shells again rained around it, but, being under cover of the earthworks, very little, if any, casualties took place in the regiment's ranks. The enemy made an attack that night, but the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery repulsed it without any loss.

The regiment remained in these fortifications and breastworks at Cold Harbor, under fire from the artillery and musketry, including sharpshooters, until the night of the loth of June.

A Federal battery of six guns immediately in front of the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery, which the regiment was supporting, was very annoying to the Confederates, who, on the morning of the 9th of June, got range thereon, and in a very short time disabled and silenced it, after which the dropping of shot and shell in the regiment's immediate vicinity ceased — a verification of the adage that ''it is an ill wind that blows no one any good."

Under cover of darkness, on the night of June 10, 1864, the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery was moved to the right and front, where it built a line of earthworks and occupied them during its stay at Cold Harbor, exces- sive duty and vigilance being requisite to maintain the position, as Confederate .sharpshooters during the day and

COLD HARBOR. 59

mortar shells at night admonished the men to be continu- ally on the alert. These earthworks were built through a swampy piece of ground on the edge of some woods, and connected the right of the i8th Corps with that of the 9th Corps' left.

Cold Harbor might have been an appropriate name for this place at one time, but during the Second Pennsyl- vania Heavy Artillery's stay there it was hot enough for the most enthusiastic war veteran. There was a continu- ous firing all along the line, day and night, with both small arms and cannon. The particular locality of the regiment was swampy and the water bad. The weather was hot, too, as well as the firing, and tempers were anything but serene.

After ten days in this place, which was a continuous battle. Gen. Grant decided on a flank movement, changing his base of operations to City Point.

About 12.30 o'clock on the night of the 12th of June, under lock-step and the fire of musketry and artillery by the enemy, the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery marched, by the right flank, out of the earthworks to the road in the rear thereof, on reaching which the command, "Double up, double quick, march !" was given, evidently indicating a retreat or flank movement being undertaken.

With little or no water in the canteens of the men, the atmosphere very sultry, and the roads exceedingly dusty, the road to White House Landing on the Pamunky river was taken, and the regiment's file closers were given strict orders to see that no straggling whatever should occur, as it was the rear of the army.

The 9th Corps, which had preceded the i8th Corps in evacuating the works at Cold Harbor, was overtaken in a part of the road running through a dense woods, and in attempting to pass, it being very dark at that juncture, considerable confusion and mixing up of the several regi- ments and companies occurred, which, however, finally resulted in a separation at a fork in the road — the 9th Corps going to the right and the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery to the left.

6o COLD HARBOR.

After a short halt to "close up," the regiment again started off on a "'doiible-quick." and continued on until about six o'clock A. M., June 13th, at which time White House Landing was reached, a march of twenty-two miles in about five hours.

On arriving at White House Landing the command bivouaced a short distance from the river, thus affording ample oportunity to bathe, cook some rations, etc.

Captain Baggs, commanding Battery D, thus describes his experience in the evacuation of and march from Cold Harbor :

"We knew nothing of the contemplated movement until the even- ing of the move. At midnight we were ordered out on the trenches and told that we were the last vroops left on that part of the line and that we must move very quietly or the rebels would hear us and pursue us with their cavalry. We were got into line by some officer that I do not now recall the name and told that we must reach White House Landing by daylight, and that was twenty miles away. Our march progressed favorably until we came to a cross road and there our com- mand was cut just as the head of Battery D reached the line, and we were told we could not go until Burnside's command passed. They had the right of way.

After waiting about one hour we resumed our march, but without a superior officer or a guide of any kind. The balance of our command had passed on and of course was out of sight and sound. For a while the stragglers indicated the way they had gone but finally we arrived at a point where the roads branched and there was no one to direct which to take. There was no stragglers or even any knapsacks, blankets or other articles along the road to indicate which was the right road. At a venture I decided to take the left hand road, which fortunately proved to be the right one, and after marching a mile or more we began to see evidences that troops had passed that way.

Many men gave out here and I felt almost ready to give up my- self. My feet were so sore and I was so tired that I felt I did not care if I was captured, that I was most dead anyhow. About this time we were hearing such dreadful reports of the way the rebels were treating our prisoners that death was preferable to captivity. Bearing in mind this condition of things, my feelings can be imagined, but I have not the command of language to describe them.

About daybreak we were cheered that the White House Landing was only a few miles further and that we were possibly safe from pur- suit, as our gunboats were at anchor there. On arriving at the landing we were shown where our encampment was to be and we dragged ourselves to the place and rested for several hours before we attempted anything like an orderly encampment.

Michael MuUins. our artificer, was one of the first to get his coffee made. It was made in his own tincup, was without sugar and as black as coal, but very strong. He offered me some, and I think I never tasted anything so good as that coffee tasted at that time."

COLD HARBOR. 6 1

At White House Landing the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery realized its first experience of the works of those two God-like commissions, "Christian" and "Sani- tary"— in the welfare of the soldiers, carried out so ener- getically, efficient and acceptable no less at "the front" than in the hospital and camp. The above Cjuoted writer in his experience says :

"It was at this point that I first saw the working of the "Christian Commission.' They had a boat there with well-cooked, meals, liathing facilities, cots and reading matter. I was glad to avail myself of these good things and soon recovered from my fatigue. I realized then what a good work was being done by the 'Sanitary Commission' and the 'Christian Commission.' They were supplying things for the comfort of the soldiers that were not supplied by the government. In this work many men were saved for efficient field service that would otherwise have gone to hospitals and been permanently disabled or diseased."

62

CHAPTER V. Petersburg.

The Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery remained at White House Landing until about 5 o'clock on the eve- ning of June 14th, when it embarked on the U. S. trans- ports "Governor Chase" and "Pioneer." proceeding down the York river, thence up the James river to City Point, reaching there about 12 o'clock noon Tuesday, the 15th of June, 1864. The regiment disembarked about 2 o'clock P. M., marched up the bluff, on gaining the top of which "double up" and "double-quick" were successively com- manded by Colonel Gibson, the regiment thus proceeding toward Point of Rocks about two miles, when the com- mand, "By the left flank." was given and, thus being formed in line of battle, advanced about three miles along the south side of the Appomattox river in support of General Hinks' division of colored troops, who were successively and successfully charging the many small forts and bat- teries lying in their way, until it halted within about four miles of Petersburg, at a point almost opposite Fort Clif- ton, a large work of the enemy situated on a high bluff on the north side of the Appomattox river, immediately in front of which were several "water batteries," all of which the 1 8th Corps was in range of and from which a flank fire would be had on the Corps had it proceeded farther.

The Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery was then ordered by General Martindale to take cover behind a mound that lav to its left, which was known as Simpson's Hill.

Detachments from each Battery of the regiment were made that evening for picket duty along the Appomattox

PETERSBURG.

63

PETERSBURG, VA.

Showing breastworks and location of Second Pennsylvauia Heavy Artillery Camp during 72 days of Siege.

river, under command of Captain McClure of Battery F, who remained on such duty until the 20th of June, when they rejoined the regiment, and Captain AlcClure assumed

64 PETERSBURG.

command of the Second Battalion, vice Captain Paul Jones, who was wounded on the i8th while leading Battery L in a charge on a redoubt.

The Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery lay on arms under cover of the before mentioned hill until daylight of the following day, when, being too large to manoeuvre as a regiment, it was divided into three battalions of four Batteries each, commanded respectively by Major Ander- son, Captain Jones and Major Sadler, all under command of Colonel Gibson, forming the Third Brigade, Second Di- vision, of the Eighteenth Army Corps.

After completion of the regiment's division into bat- talions on the morning of June i6th, the men were per- mitted to eat and cook breakfast (at least those who had anything to cook or eat then). Under orders from Gen. Martindale, Colonel Gibson formed the regiment (brigade) in line, and countermarching from behind the hill, formed line of battle in a large pasture field, the Second Battalion in front, the h^irst and Third Battalions to its right and left respectively, and a few hundred yards to the rear.

The command then advanced, under a heavy fire of the enemy, through an apple orchard between the Appo- mattox river and Spring Hill road, when the Second Bat- talion, composed of Batteries B. E, H and K, with the First and Third suppc^-ting it, charged and captured a small fort or redoubt on Spring Hill road that was harrassing the regiment (jn its left, taking some prisoners and four

The regiment then supported Gen. Hinks' Division of colored troops in charging a large and well-defended fort which was on a high hill, from top to bottom of which ob- structions, such as abatis, trip-wires, cherauxdefris, stumps and vines, were placed to impede an attack. The capture of the fort, nevertheless, was gallantly accomplished by those brave colored troops.

After the capture of the fort the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery again advanced through an oat field to within about two miles of Petersburg, halting in front of Mrs. Beasley's house on a road running at right angles with the Appomattox river and almost directly in front

PETERSBURG. 6 5

of Fort Clifton and the water batteries, which had a flank fire on the regiment and, evidently, were doing their best to make the most of their advantage.

In this advance several were killed and wounded, among them being :

Killed— Geo. W. Tapley. Battery K; Daniel Donhue, Battery L; John B. Oilman, Battery L; Wm. A. Maleffett, Battery A; Edward W. White, Battery A.

Wounded— Corporal Benjamin Dougherty, Battery L; Henry Beachtel, Battery L; Edward Gibbons, Battery L.

On receiving orders to do so. Colonel Gibson withdrew the regiment to the left, and other troops, belonging to the Second Corps, took the place of his command about eleven o'clock that night.

After being relieved, the regiment marched to a hill on the left (the men being furnished with hardtack and hot coffee while on the march) and lay on arms during the balance of the night, which was a very clear one.

Captain Baggs, in a writing reviewing his recollec- tions of the Petersburg campaign, says :

"On the i6th of June, about 4 o'clock p. m., it became evident that we were to be placed in a position to make an attack. We rested in a piece of woods for several hours. On our right were colored troops. This was the firt time I had been brought in contact with colored troops, and I was surprised at their military bearing.

About dusk we were put on the move and just at this time Lieut. B. F. Winger, who had been on detached duty at headquarters, joined the command, saying, 'Captain, I heard you were going into the fight and I want to be with you.' We moved out of the woods towards a barn and wheat field. We could not see the rebels, but they saw us, and the firing both of rifles and cannon, was very hot. We were the supporting column of an attack on their entrenchments and we were exposed to a cross-fire that was exceedingly alarming. As it grew darker the intensity of the fire increased and we were ordered to lie down. As soon as the men got down they commenced throwing up breastworks with their tincups and bayonets. It was only little ridges that each man could raise in front of himself, but in many instances it served to deflect a bullet that might have proved a deadly messenger. I do not know how near we got to the rebel works, but about 10 o'clock it was known that the rebels had retreated.

The next morning I walked around some of these earth-works and was impressed with the skill and care that was manifest in their location and construction : This was the outer line of defences of Petersburg. We prepared to encamp here and commenced the seige of Petersburg. We succeeded in pressing the rebels back as far as the Race Course. Here we digged entrenchments and erected barricades

66 PETERSBURG.

and prepared to make ourselves as comfortable as possible under the cir- cumstances. The firing was incessant all day long, both for rifle and cannon."

Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin F. Winger, in a letter to the writer, says :

"As to the discipline and bravery of the Second Heavy Artillery, I recall that at the charge in the rear of Fort Steadman we were un- mercifully shelled, and the bravest of us said our prayers, quivering as to the' result of the conflict about to take place. The .shelling was fearful from Fort Clifton on our right and Petersburg in our front. The regiment, or most of it, was in a clump of big trees. As the shells burst and the solid shot and shells of the enemy began knocking and tearing the trees to splinters, our boys began to twist and wabble. The officers said they must stand straight in line and take what comes till we made the charge. Captain Jones was in charge of the Battalion, and I happened to be in command of his Battery (L) that day. Whilst I do not think it proper to do violence to the third commandment, it did seem that the only thing to be done was to do a whole lot of good, hard swearing, and, with a corporal behind them, to prevent shirking, I gave orders to fix ba3onets, and every fellow went into the charge with alacrity. They thought if the officers could swear till a blue streak went up, they could afford to be brave, and the way they did their work proved them to be the bravest of the brave."

Early on the morning of June 17, the regiment moved half a mile further to the left, crossing the Petersburg and City Point railroad, thence parallel therewith a short distance, when, after forming in line of battle, orders to ''left oblique" were given, and, crossing an open field, the enemy pouring upon it a hot fire of artillery and musketry, came in front of a battery which the enemy, after slight efforts to retain it, evacuated, but soon thereafter rallied and attempted to retake it, their fire being so great that the regiment was compelled to lie down.

The advance of the enemy, however, was easily checked and the regiment again advanced, double-quick, driving the enemy over a swamp to his inner lines of defence.

The regiment then, "by the right flank." again moved to the opposite side of the railroad, somewhat nearer Peters- burg and farther from the fire of Fort Clifton's guns, tak- ing position in rear of other troops of the i8th Corps, where it remained during the night.

In these movements the regiment suft'eretl considerable loss, particularly Battery B.

PETERSBURG. 67

During the night of June 17th, while on the firing line, Colonel Gibson had the men served with water to drink, and then mo\'ed his regiment somewhat farther to the front, and on the morning of the i8th of June the same position was maintained until about two o'clock in the afternoon, when the regiment moved to the front line again, deploying somewhat to the right, and after advanc- ing a short distance was checked by the great number of guns opened upon it in addition to the incessant musketry fire of the enemy.

Shortly after, the fire of the enemy having diminished considerably, the regiment again advanced and, reaching a line of earthworks hastily vacated by the enemy, halted while a body of sharpshooters passed over and took shelter behind some large shade trees in its front, with the intent to keep silent, if possible, the guns of a battery a short distance in front of the Second Battalion of the regiment.

Soon thereafter the Second Battalion, composed of Batteries B, E, H and K, was ordered to charge a line of earthworks laying to the left and front of it, which it did under a galling fire of musketry, the Third Battalion and the sharpshooters the while almost silencing the enemy's batteries in front; but the 55th Pennsylvania Infantry, that was to support the Second Battalion on its left, broke and fled to the rear, leaving the Battalion exposed to a cross- fire on its left, and, thus exposed and being without proper support, the attempt to take the works did not succeed. The Battalion, however, under a very severe and continu- ous fire of the enemy, pugnaciously held the ground gained, by lying down and the men scooping up earth in front of themselves with tinplates and bayonets.

The loss to the Second Battalion in this charge was twelve killed and sixty-nine wounded, nearly all of which occurred during the first fifteen minutes of the engagement. Among the seriously wounded was Captain Jones, of Bat- tery L, who was in command of the Battalion, and who so gallantly led his Battery in the successful assault on a redoubt the day before.

Toward nightfall the other two battalions of the regi- ment advanced to where the Second Battalion la^-, and

68 PETERSBURG.

by throwing up earthworks, strengthened the Hne, which was maintained throughout the siege of Petersburg, and proved to he the most ad^'anced line toward Petersburg made by any troops of the Union army until after the Con- federates evacuated the city in April, 1865.

Lieutenant Geuisinger was in command of Battery B during these actions, and in leaving the field at night he directed Sergeant Gramlich to see that all killed and wounded of the Battery were brought off the field. In carrying out this order, almost the first man Sergeant Gram- lich found killed was his father, who was shot through the heart, and, though grief-stricken, he insisted on helping to carry the body from the field.

During the night of June i8th, the Second Pennsyl- vania Heavy Artillery was relieved by the Tenth New York Heavy Artillery, and moved to the rear on the left of the City Point railroad, where it went into camp in the ravine through which Harrison's creek ran under the rail- road, a short distance in front of Friend's mansion, then ocupied by General Martindale as division headquarters.

The Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery had its rendezvous and camp in this ravine during its 72 days spent in the siege of Petersburg, excepting two days at Spring Hill to reorganize the regiment, and two days near Fort Hell at the time of the "Crater" fight.

The regiment remained in camp the 19th of June, and had issued to it three days' rations. On the following day it marched to a place known as Spring Hill, near Point of Rocks, where the men enjoyed a bath in the -\ppomattox river and a general renovation of clothing was had. a lux- ury not enjoyed since leaving White House Landing on the 14th inst. Here, also, the men received the first mail since leaving Washington on May 27th, which gave en- joyment and pleasure to the men in a degree realized only by those who were thus favored. Many received an accum- ulation of from twenty to thirty pieces of mail matter, in many cases some token of rememl)rance being enclosed therein, and wliich greatly added to the happiness of the recipients, evidenced by the joyful countenances to be seen that day. "Life is worth living," said John H. Myers, of

PETERSBURG. 69

Battery D, when he unwrapped three or four newspapers, each of which contained a plug of the best l)rand of chew- ing- tobacco, a method of sending which to the soldiers was generally adopted by realtives and friends during the war. The occasion was considered a great treat by the men after the trying ordeals through which they passed during the preceding three weeks.

The regiment being- composed mostly of young- men, the major portion of the letters received by the "boys'' were from their "sweethearts," or, as one would say, from "the girl I left behind me," and the contents, as a saying, "put new life into the boys," and, for the time being, at least, caused them to forget their despondency, knowing full well these girls were also lending their aid to their country in preparing lint, bandages, etc., for wounded soldiers, as well as writing fond missives to buoy up the despondent.

The regiment marched back to its camping ground along Harrison's creek on the 21st of June, where it was brigaded with the Tenth New York Heavy Artillery, the brigade being commanded by General Ames, and General Martindale commanded the division, which was attached to the Eighteenth Armv Corps, commanded by General William F. Smith ("Baldy Smith").

About six o'clock that evening the regiment fell in line and moved forward to within a short distance of the breastworks, where it was ordered to lay down, apparently being held in readiness for an attack on the enemy, or in anticipation of a Confederate advance, neither of which, however, materialized ; but the regiment, nevertheless, re- mained in this position throughout the night and until about nine o'clock P. M. of the 22d, when it was marched to the front and again occupied the line of earthworks extending from the City Point and Petersburg railroad on its right to the Jerusalem plankroad on its left, where it remained until the night of June 25th, when it was relieved by colored troops. During these three days the regiment was engaged in strengthening the earthworks, which included the build- ing of two batteries, the enemy keeping up a vigorous fire of artillery and sharpsh(X)ting, which made the work hazardous and trvina: to the men.

70 PETERSBURG.

On the morning- of June 24th, the Confederates opened a terrific cannonade in front of the Eighteenth Army Corps, the fire of which was concentrated principally on the Sec- ond Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery and the Tenth New York Heavy Artillery regiments, and at about nine o'clock the Confederates charged the line between the Appomattox river and the City Point railroad, being the right wing of General Ames' brigade, resulting in the repulse of the Confederates with great loss.

As colored troops at times were occupying the breastworks at this point, the Confederates maintained an almost continuous fire thereon, and it required great cau- tion on the part of the officers and men of the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery, for the slightest projecting of a head above the earthworks meant a wound or death to the one so doing; and. unfortunately, a few such casual- ties did occur.

Rations and water were served the men in the pits under great difficulties; yet, some of the Batteries' cooks, with brotherly feeling, were bent on giving their "boys" warm food and coffee occasionally during the daytime, and frequently ran the gauntlet of Confederate bullets to do so.

Just where Battery K was located in the pits there was a depression in the breastworks, where the enemy, almost constantly, fired volleys of musketry over, which, added to the fire of sharpshooters, made it very dangerous to ap- proach the works from the rear. Several men were shot at this point daily, either being killed or wounded. However, Alexander T. Dougherty, of Battery K, managed to do his duty as a cook, and the following is his explanation of how he accomplished the feat of supplying the men with rations:

"I would approacli under ccner as far as I could go with safety. Then I would wait until the volley was fired. Then I would run zig-zagging with all my might for the breastworks, frequently passing dead men. I bent my body down as low as I could to protect myself. I ran that gauntlet for more than sixty days, morning, noon and eve- ning, without meeting or intercepting any rebel balls, which many other poor comrades who attempted it paid the forfeit of failure in their devotion with their lives."

Captain Baggs, in his writings of the Petersburg cam- paign, says :

PETERSBURG. 7^

"The rebels had a battery on the opposite side of the Appomatox river that commanded the road upon which our entrenchments had been made. It must have been a very poor battery or else it was a long way off, for the shot and shell that reached us were so nearly spent that some of the men wanted to try to catch them on the fly. They would roll down our way like the balls along a ten-pin alley. There was one, however, that had more force than the rest of them, for it passed between Major Anderson and Adjutant Grugan as they sat at breakfast in their tent. They moved their tent immediately.

One night there was an alarm and we were ordered forward. As we scrambled out of our trenches, firing seemed to be promiscuous — our own men, apparently, firing in any direction. I remember feeling the bullets unpleasantly near, as well as being slightly singed with powder.

As a rule we were relieved after twenty-four hours and allowed to go back to camp for a day. Although the firing was so constant and our camp was so exposed, it was but little safer than the trenches."

The Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery was re- lieved from the pits by Hinks' colored troops, on the night of June 25th, and returned thereto again the following evening; being again relieved on the evening of the 27th and returning to the trenches again on the 28th, during which night Lieutenant Edward D. C. Loud, of Battery H, became "missing." it being ascertained, through Con- federate deserters, a few days later, that he was being held as a prisoner by the enemy.

Being relieved from the pits on the night of June 29th, the regiment marched back to its camp in the ravine, where it remained until about 4 o'clock the following day, when it fell in line and marched some distance to the right, where it was placed in position to support other troops in ad- vancing the main line. The engagement was of slight account, as little resistance was made by the enemy, and the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery was not called upon to do anything.

After the line was straightened, the regiment again returned to its camp, and the following day was mustered for six months' pay, and re-entered the pits that night at its usual place of so doing.

The part of the line advanced on the 30th of June was necessary so as to conform to that established by the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery on the i8th of June, which was some three hundred yards beyond that estab- lished by the Second Corps troops on its right, and which

72

PETERSBURG.

caused a bend towards the railroad, thereby offering the enemy an opportunity to infilade the breastworks with a

semi -cross fire.

GROUP OF OFFICERS.

The losses in the regiment from June 15th to June

^otli were

PETERSBURG. J T)

Killed, i6 men; wounded, 2 officers and 92 men; captured or mis- ing, I officer and 15 men; total, 126.

During- the night of July i, 1864, Captain David Schooley, of Battery M, and Lieutenant Daniel M. Lewrey, of Battery D, were made prisoners, and Lieutenant Richard M. Goundie, of Battery G, was slightly wounded by a piece of mortar shell.

Lieutenant Lewrey was making his "grand rounds" of the picket line, when he, evidently, was misled by fol- lowing a path that eventually led him into the enemy's lines. The path was located for some distance along the picket line near an old race track, then inclined to the left, whereas the picket line extended straight on, through some shrubbery and undergrowth, which, it being a very dark night, Lieutenant Lewrey evidently did not discern, and, consequently, walked into the enemy's lines, where he was made prisoner. Captain Schooley was similarly made a prisoner, probably at the same point, or somewhere along the line of the race track.

This race track proved to be a snare to several officers who were captured while making their "grand rounds" as "officer of the day." The videttes were located in holes about fifty feet in front of the breastworks, along the edge of the track, and the enemy's pickets were aware of the divergence of the path, as was stated by several deserters to the Federal lines, there being several Confederate pickets placed at about that point, with instructions to be on the alert for "Yankee Officers of the Day making their grand rounds."

The Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery remained in the trenches until the evening of the 3rd of July, when it was relieved and returned to its camp, remaining there until the evening of the 5th of July, when it re-entered the pits again.

Rumors of Colonel Gibson having made application to be relieved from command of the regiinent were heard throughout the regiment on the 4th of July, and the follow- ing day Major Anderson was recommended as successor to Colonel Gibson.

74 PETERSBURG.

The regiment was again relieved from duty in the trenches on the evening of July 6th, and re-entered them again on the night of the 9th, where it remained until the evening of July 12th, during which time the regiment was continually under fire, day and night, many men being killed and wounded, the men not being permitted to sleep more than one hour in daytime, and no sleeping permitted during the night, an attack by the enemy being anticipated at any moment.

Commissions for several officers of the Second Penn- sylvania Heavy Artillery were received from Harrisburg on the 1 2th of July, 1864, they being the first commissions issued to the regiment from the time of the Provisional regi- ments' organization.

On the evening of July 12th, 1864, the regiment was relieved about 9 o'clock and went to its camp in the ravine. About 3 o'clock the next morning bugles sounded the "As- sembly," and, after quickly forming in line, double-quicked to the trenches, in front of which the Confederates had massed a large body of troops, in consequence of which an attack on the Federal lines was anticipated. The men were kept in suspense all that day, and, without any sleep con- tinued so until the night of the 15th of July, when every third man was permitted to enjoy two hours sleep in turns. The weather was very warm, and the almost continuous duty required of the men was a very trying ordeal, causing a thinning of the ranks, many men, and officers too. be- coming prostrated and, in many cases, were carried to the rear for medical treatment.

Colonel Fairchild took command of the Brigade to which the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery was at- tached on the 14th of July, 1864.

During the regiment's stay in the trenches, from the 13th to the 1 6th of July, 1864, all sorts of rumors regard- ing a Confederate raid into Maryland and Pennsylvania were circulated. Some were to the effect that Early had invaded Pennsylvania with a large force of Confederates, while others were that he had entered Washington, via Seventh Street road. Inasmuch as the Second Pennsylva- nia Heavy Artillery had rebuilt and occupied Fort Massa-

PETERSBURG. 75

chusetts, the key to Washington by way of Seventh street, little credence was given that rumor, as they well knew the impregnability of that fort, then known as Fort Stevens. Late on the night of July 15th, however, intelligence was received that the Confederates were badly defeated in their effort to capture the capital, and were in full retreat; this being confirmed the next day, the news put new life, as it were, into the spirits of the almost completely exhausted men of the regiment.

At the time of Early's attack on Washington, Captain John Norris, of the Provisional Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery, was in command at Fort DeRussy, and took a prominent part in repulsing the Confederates. Col- onel Marble, in his report to Col. W'arner, commanding the First Brigade of Hardin's Division, said :

"Much credit is due to Captain John Norris, of Second Provis- ional Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery, whom you assigned to me as Chief of Artillery. Captain Norris' report of the artillery practice will be forwarded to you without delay."

Captain John Norris was a Lieutenant in Battery G, Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery, until the formation of the Provisional Second Pennsylvania, when he was ap- pointed Captain of Company B in the latter regiment, and was among the best and bravest officers of that regiment.

The Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery was relieved from the breastworks early on the morning of July i6th, 1864, while heavy cannonading was going on, and, after breakfasting in camp, proceeded to a position in the trenches at a point considerably farther to the left than heretofore occupied by the regiment, where it was immediately put to work demolishing an old line of works and rebuilding them in a more substantial manner. That night the regiment marched back to its camp and rested until 8 o'clock the following evening, July 17th, when it again took up its usual position in the trenches near the City Point Railroad. All the Batteries of the regiment occupied about their usual locations in the pits, with the exception of Battery G, on the extreme right, which spread out and extended a con- siderable distance beyond the City Point Railroad.

On the morning of July i8th, at about 3 o'clock, the

76 PETERSBURG.

enemy opened up a terrific cannonading along the whole line, indicating a contemplated attack, and compelling the men to hug the breastworks, many of whom, however, were, more or less, wounded, and a few killed, principally by shells thrown from cohorn mortars. Rain commenced to descend about 5 o'clock and continued until the evening of the 2 1 St.

To illustrate the severe strain the men were put to in doing duty at "the front'' is an utter impossibility — the want of sleep, the heat, rain, flies, mosquitoes, "gray-backs," etc., added to the incessant'- necessity of precaution to pro- tect themseh'es from the aim of dreaded sharpshooters and flying shells, taxed their powers of endurance and nerves to the extreme, and its effects were distinguishable in the lives of many survivors of the ordeal years thereafter.

Corporal Chambers, of Battery L, recalling those days in front of Petersburg, says :

"It was hell itself, and it is wondrous to me that so many of us survived the event. The over-taxing of the men in building rifle pits, batteries, forts and cover ways, in addition to the continuous sharp- shooting; the evening and morning duels, which were so deadly in our front, being from one to two hundred yards apart and right in front of the city, was simply awful. One-half of the line would fire while the other worked on the pits or tried to sleep. On our right was a battery of breech-loading guns, which were presented to Jefif Davis by some English nobleman, whose name along with the presentation was engraved on the breech. After the surrender I rode astride of one of these pieces, with six horses attached, through the streets of Petersburg, and helped to load it on the cars for City Point. The fire of this battery was very destructive. It mattered not how thick and strong our breastworks might be on our flank — for it had a flank fire — the shells from those terrible guns would burrow through the embankment and explode with terrific effect. One of these shells exploded in the pits occupied by Battery L, tearing ofT the limbs of a half dozen men. One of them was the orderly sergeant, a young Irishman from the I'ritish army, one of the best drilled men I ever saw."

The Second Pennsylvania Pleavy Artillery was relieved from duty in the entrenchments during the night of July 19th, 1864, and returned to its camping ground in a pelting rainstorm, but as the weather had been mostly hot and dry from time of leaving Cold Harbor, the men seemed rather to enjoy the change, and marched with a more elastic step than they had for several days past ; and the peals of thun-

PETERSBURG. ']^

der, attended by flashes of lightning, was to them only a "reflection of what had been witnessed and experienced ever since the first appearance of the regiment before Peters- burg,," as was said by Comrade Robert Casey, Jr., of Bat- tery F, several years later.

Captain Baggs, of Battery D, in a letter to his wife, written in the pits at Petersburg says :

In the Entrenchment, July i8th. 1864.

While relieving the other troops we were shelled, as I spoke of in the first part of my letter, but fortunately I believe no one of our Battalion was hurt. I was commanding it at the time. Major Sadler being Brigade Officer of the Day. This being rather a quiet day I will try and finish this letter. I have my pen and ink along for that purpose, but these holes are so dirty and dusty that I don't know that I can get through.

Well, to resume my narrative. It is singular how soon men get used to these missiles flying near them. Soon after daylight they be- gan to think of their breakfast and a few at a time are allowed to cook. They bring their own provisions with them and each man cooks for himself. Having collected a few sticks they build a fire and cook their meals with as much coolness as you do at home. Frequently a bullet will strike in the bank and throw out dust over them and in their coffee. This frequently produces an oath, as the soldier sets great store by his coffee, and it does seem to be the principal thing, especially in the pits.

Now some one has to go for water. This is quite dangerous, as their heads must be exposed for a little while. However, they go. Some walk along leisurely, some double-quick or half double, as they suppose the danger is more or less great. They judge by the number and nearness of the sound of the bullets. Generally we have an artil- lery duel every morning. Sometimes our batteries commence and sometimes the rebels. We can generally tell when the shot and shell are coming, either by seeing the flash or hearing the sound. Some one cries "Cover!" and all protect themselves as well as they can. But every day there is some one hurt and then the cry is "Stretcher this way !" and the stretcher bearers come along and carry off the wounded man. Inquiry is made who it is and if badly hurt. The soldiers show great sympathy in their manner, but few express it in words. The wounded comrade is borne off and that is probably the last they see of him in this campaign.

On our left and about seven hundred j'ards distant is a high hill, where the rebels are entrenched. We can see them at work frequently and have a good sight of every shot and shell thrown in by our bat- teries. Our mortars drop the shells right in their holes, but we can- not tell what amount of damage is done. It is certainly very unpleas- ant there, as our men send the shells in very thick. We have two bat- teries and both are very attentive to this hill. It is very strong by nature and the rebels have dug a ditch and placed abatis — that is trees laid down with their prongs from the fort and too close together for a man to get through. Outside of that is a wire fence. It would be impossible to take it by assault without great loss.

78 PETERSBURG.

About dusk we see the rebels sending out their pickets and after a while ours are sent out. The sharpshooters leave at sunset and the pickets do not fire while being posted. Rebel deserters come in fre- quently and tell the usual tale of short rations, hard service, conscript- ing every man, etc. Several have come in and say the rebels talk about charging our works. I presume there must be a determination of this kind, as they confirm each others' statements in the main idea.

Our soldiers are cheerful and laugh at the missiles of death as they fly harmlessly by and at each other when they dodge without being hit. They crack a great many jokes, and you would be surprised to see so much mirth under the circumstances.

We have dug several wells in the rear of the pits and obtain very good water in about ten feet. Many of the rebel shells do not burst. We have a large pile of them near my pit. The men have picked them up close by, as most of them light near here. Pratt brings my meals out to me and I eat them 'sans ceremonie.'

We look anxiously for the troops to relieve us after we have been in the pits two days. Soon after dark they come along and we march back to camp. Our camp is in a hollow near the railroad, and a small stream runs through it. We have dug springs close together and water is abundant and good. These two days are devoted to cleaning up and getting things in order. We have been here now a month and on Saturday I had my quarters improved. I have had a nice arbor built which gives us ample room and is quite comfortable. If it should rain, though, there is only one shelter tent to protect me, but I think that will do it unless it rains very hard. Speaking of rain re- minds me that we have not had enough to lay the dust since we came here. Near my quarters is a grave marked "Confederate Unknown." Some one of our regiment has written on the board, "Think not of him as an enemy, but admonish him as a friend."

The regiment re-entered the pits on the night of July 2 1 St, and remained there until 9 o'clock p. m., of the 23rd, when it was again relieved by other troops.

Orders were issued for dress parade on the 24th of July, but rain, which had ceased the night before, again came down in torrents at appointed time for parade, thus preventing it taking place, much to the gratification of the officers and men, who, through excessive duty in the pits, felt more inclined to rest and sleep. However, it was made known that Colonel Gibson was relieved, and Major Anderson assumed command of the regiment, in obedience to the following:

W.\K l)i:i'.\KTMENT, Adjutant Gkner-al's Office.

Washington, July 22nd, 1864. Si'Eci.M, Order, No. 245.

Extract. 6th. — By direction of the President of the United States, the leave of absence granted Captain A. A. Gibson, 2nd V. S. Artillery, now

PETERSBURG. 79

Major 3rd U. S. Artillery, to enable him to accept the colonelcy of the 2nd Penna. Heavy Artillery, is hereby revoked, and he will report in person to the Adjutant General of the Army under his rank as an officer of the Regular Army for orders. By order of the Secretary of War.

E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Ad'gt Gen'l.

Col. Gibson had a good heart for his men, or "boys," as he called them, and was patriotic. He spoke for an hour in his address to them at the reunion of the Second Penn- sylvania Heavy Artillery at Belmont Mansion, September, 1888, and was a proud man that day.

The following is his farewell address to the regiment :

COLONEL GIBSON'S FAREWELL ADDRESS.

Hd. Qrs. 2nd Penna. Art'y., Near Petersburg, Va., July 2ij'- 1S54. Regimental Orders No. 30.

In relinquishing the command of his regiment, the Colonel desires to express to the officers and enlisted men his regret that circumstances preclude his sharing its fortunes to the end.

His interest for the regiment will never diminish. He will ever be mindful of its reputation. The discipline which it has received ; the principles with which it has been instilled, and especially the richness of its personal material, assure that the flags of its State and the Federal Government will never be furled with dishonor. In a few months the service of the regiment will have expired, and during a period when the efforts of the nation will all be historical. The time and the occasion present irresistable inducements for the regiment to carve for itself a name which the State will be proud to cherish. The Colonel, in taking farewell, would impress on his regiments as its motto : '^Unanimity and Co-operation."

By command of

A. A. GIBSON. U. S. A.,

Colonel 2nd Penna. Art'y. Flor. W. Grugan.

Lt. and Adjt.

The Adjutant also announced that General Martindale had succeeded General Smith in command of the i8th Army Corps, which was evidently regretted by the officers and men of the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artilley, as they were greatly attached to "Baldy"' Smith.

Many of the facts relative to the temporary organi- zation of the Provisional Second Pennsylvania Heavy Ar- tillery and the controversy between Governor Curtin, Colo- nel Gibson and the War Department in reference to officers

8o

PETERSBURG.

for the said regiment, have been "mislaid," but the follow- ing message of Governor Curtin to the Senate of Pennsyl- vania, dated August 22, 1864, will suffice to show the bit- terness of the controversy created by the desire to appoint officers for the new regiment, and, in a measure will ac- count for the unprecedent ill treatment of that gallant regi- ment b}' the uncalled for "ambition of somebody."'

GOVERNOR CURTIN'S .AIESSAGE.

Penna. Executive Chamber,

Harrisburg, Aug. 22, 1864. To the Honorable the Senate of Pennsylvania : — Gentlemen : — I re- ceived the following preamble and resolution on the 20th of August:

Senate Chamber, Harrisburg, Aug. 20, 1864.

Whereas, It is alleged that the officers of the 2d Pa. Art. (or Provisional regiment) are without commissions, and the regiment, although in the front, is without surgeons, therefore, in order to ascertain where the neglect is, be it

Resolved, That the Governor be requested to furnish, at his earliest conven- ience, any correspondence, that he may have had with the President or the War Department in relation thereto.

To which I have the honor to reply, that on the recommendation of an officer of the War Department, on tlie i8th of June, 1862, I appointed A. A. Gibson, then a captain in the artillery service of tlie United States, colonel of the 2d regiment, Pennsylvania artillery. It was represented to me that he was very well qualified, and I selected him accordingly for this particular arm of the service. Early in January, 1863, com- plaints were made to me by the officers of the regiment in reference to the conduct of Col. Gibson, and indeed charges were made of a serious character. I was extremely reluctant to interfere between the War Department and a colonel of the service. But these complaints contin- ued to be repeated, and in the month of May or June, 1863, when in Washington city on other business, I was called upon by many of the officers of the regiment, gentlemen who were personally known to me to be entirely reliable, and statements were made so serious that I could not disregard them, and I addressed the Secretary of War upon the subject, and sent my communication from Willard's Hotel (without having retained a copy), asking that Col. Gibson should be relieved from the command of the regiment and ordered back to his regiment in the army. To this communication no answer was returned, but to my surprise I learned unofficially, that all that was required to secure the removal of Colonel Gibson was my request to that effect. On the 2d of December, 1863, 1 again addressed the Secretary of War as follows:

Executive Chamber, Harrisburg. December 2, 1863. Hon. Edwin M. Stanton, Secretary of War: — Sir: — I beg leave to request most earnestly that you will issue an order to Col. A. A. Gibson, now command- ing the 2d Pennsylvania Artillery, relieving him from the command and returning him to his post as captain in the 2d regiment of Regular artillery. I am con- strained to make this request from the fact that Col. Gibson has not and does not give satisfaction to his regiment— that his officers, some of them the finest in the service, are constantly appealing to me to relieve them. Charges of a serious nature could be preferred, but this would involve delay attending a court martial,

PETERSBURG. 8 1

and would create dissensions, all of which can be avoided by his being returned to his regular rank. The most charitable construction placed upon his conduct by his officers is that he is insane, and under such circumstances the mildest means consistent with the good of the service are probably the best.

I respectfully refer to papers already on file in your department with my en- dorsement, in relation to this subject, and I beg that the order may issue. Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

A. G. CURTIN.

To which no answer was returned.

The complaints still continuing, and both officers and men con- stantly appealing to me, I again addressed the Secretary of War on the 19th of January, 1864, as follows :

Executive Chamber, Harrisburg, January 19, 1864. Hon. E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War: Sir: — I have upon two occasions be- fore this endeavored to call your attention to the propriety of ordering Col. A. A. Gibson, now commanding the 2d regiment. Pa. artillery, to ioin his own regiment of Regulars, and was surprised that no answer had been returned. I learn, however, unofficially, that mv letters upon this subject have not reached you. I therefore take the liberty of enclosing to you a copy of mv last letter on this subject, which fully explains the matter, and in addition to what is there stated it is proper to s5y, that from information received, I am assured that if Col. Gibson is not re- moved, very few of that regiment will re-enlist, and that if he is, nearly all of them will. Hence the necessity for early action.

\'erv respectfully, your ob't serv't,

A. G. CURTIN.

This letter I sent to Washington city by a member of my staff, who delivered it to the Secretary of War in person, on the 23d of January, 1864.

No action having been taken although a court of inquiry had been in session upon charges preferred against Colonel Gibson, and the com- plaints still continuing, on the i6th June, 1864, I addressed the Presi- dent of the United States as follows :

Executive Chamber, Harrisburg, June 16, 1864.

Sir: — In the spring of 1862 vou requested me to raise a volunteer regiment of heavy artillery called the "2d regiment heavy artillery" P. V. The call being a special one there seemed to be required to command the regiment an officer of experience in that particular line, and one of the officers of the War Department recommended for the purpose Captain A. A. Gibson of the State of Maine, then a captain in the 2d artillery U. S. A. In the compliance with this recommendation, and withovjt any other knowledge of Captain Gibson, I appointed and commissioned him on the 18th of June, 1862, as colonel of the regiment. His conduct and de- portment since have been intolerable. He has violated the faith of the Govern- ment, pledged to recruits for regiments in the field by general order No. 88, July 2Sth, 1862, which provides that thev shall be permitted to select any com- pany of the regiment they may prefer. In contempt of this order he has forced recruits into batteries other than those which they selected. In at least one in- stance he has used language to a commissioned officer of his regiment in presence of an enlisted man, unbecoming an officer and a gentleman, and calculated to subvert all discipline. He has treated the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania with contempt by returning to her agent the flag which he supposed to be the flag presented to the regiment by the State under the direction of an act of Assem- bly, and giving as a reason for so doing that when the regiment was mustered into the service of the United States it ceased to have anything to do with the State. He has slandered the whole people of Pennsylvania, and especially her gallant soldiers on the field by saying "Pennsylvania soldiers will not fight — one Southern soldier is worth three of them. The rebel officers make a prac- tice of ascertaining in what part of the battle field the Pennsylvania troops are stationed, and then attack that part of the line," or words to that effect.

In utter defiance and contempt of the act of Congress, to be presently re- ferred to, he took possession of a First Lieutenant's commission which I had issued to a non-commissioned officer of the regiment, court-martialed the officer for having accepted it, and retained the commission until it had been given in evidence before the court-martial. The facts above recited were all reported as

82 PETERSBURG.

found by a court of inquiiv, assembled on January 5th, 1864, of which Brig. Gen. De Russey was president, which also reported that in the opinion of the court no further military proceedings were necessary in the case.

I add that the proceedings of Col. Gibson have been habitually so offensive that I have long since ceased to hold any communication with him.

The heavy artillery is known to be a favorite arm. One regiment was raised in Penna., and when that was completed a second was authorized to be raised. — Authority to raise more in this State was refused, although in New York no less than sixteen regiments were authorized. In conseiaicnce of this refusal there was a large surplus recruited for the second regiment. This surplus amounts to more than enovigh to form another regiment, and measures were taken by the War Department to form one accordingly. — The act of Con- gress of July 20, i86i, provides that the field, staff and company officers of vol- unteer regiments shall be commissioned by the Governors of the respective States, and the act of Congress of August 6th, 1861, provides that vacancies thereafter occurring in the volunteer regiments, shall be filled by the Governors of the States respectively in the same manner as original appointments.

In defiance of these provisions. Colonel Gibson undertook to appoint all the commissioned officers of the proposed new regiments, except the Lieutenants, Surgeons and Chaplain, including the Colonel and the persons thus named by him have been put in command. I of course disregarded this unwarrantable interference with the authority conferred on m'e by act of Congress, and ap- pointed and commissioned persons carefully selected for their fitness to be officers of the new regiment. These officers have not been mustered in; the new regiment has now been sent into the field having only ten company officers for more than fourteen hundred men, a number of them without commissions, at least four companies of from one hundred to one hundred and fittv men e'ach, being commanded by Sergeants, and, as I am creditably informed, without the usual sui)ply of Surgeons, surgical instruments or medical supplies.

The conduct of Colonel Gibson produced great exasperation and discontent among the officers and men of the regiment, and their complaints to me were frequent and urgent.

I repeatedly requested the War Department to return him to his battery, as captain in the regular service, but without success. I annex to this letter copies of the last two letters which I addressed to the War De])artment on this subject, dated, respectively, 2d December, 1863, and igth January, 1864.

I'nder these circumstances, 1 have arrived at the concimton that I can no longer permit Col. Gibson to remain in command of the regiment, and by virtue of the power of removal vested in me by the form of aPpoiiitr.tcnt conferred on me by the act of Congress, / have determined to revoke, and supercede, and va- cate his commission, and dismiss him from his office.

The most gentle construction to be put on the conduct of Col. Gibson, would be to ascribe to partial insanity. It appears that he admitted before the Court of Inquiry that he had the reputation of being eccentric, but not to the extent charged. To whatever cause, however, his course is to be attributed, my respect for the Commonwealth, whose organ I am, and my regards for the welfare of her citizens recruited for the Second Pennsylvania artillery, and now in the field, reciuire that I should seriously invoke your aid to overcome the obstacles heretofore created by some of your officers and bv which the exercise of the just authority conferred on me by the act of Congress, has been thus far in this case prevented. You, sir, are the responsible head of the Gov- ernment. Your duty and your oath of office re(iuire you to see that the laws be faithfully executed. These very acts of Congress were approved and signed by yourself. I will not believe that you will in effect violate them your- self by permitting officers who are under your control to disregard and trample on them. I'or obvious reasons connected with the public service, it is desirable to avoid, so far as may be possible, any appearance of a collision be- tween us on such a subject.

If you conceive that the law as it now stands is unwise or inconvenient. Congress in still in session, and you can recommend an alteration of it. I pray you to recollect that under that law as it exists, my duty and mv responsi- bility arc co-extensive with my authority. I have no other alternative but to exercise it in conformity with my best judgment and discretion.

I therefore do most respectfully but inost earnestly request frorn you the assurance that you will immediately give orders w-hich shall be effective on all your officers to obey the act of Congress above referred to.

I St. By mustering out any field, staff or company officers in the regiments of Pennsylvania volunteers whose commission shall have been revoked and super- ceded by the Governor of this State; and

2d. By mustering in, except in cases provided for by act of Congress, any person who shall have been commissioned as such officers in such regiments

PETERSBURG. 83

by the Governor of the State, whether as original appointments or to fill va- cancies.

Under great discouragements this Commonwealtli and her authorities have endeavored in every way to aid the government in its struggles with treason, and I am proud to believe have most promptly, fully and cheerfully discharged their whole duty in this regard, and by the blessing of God will continue to do so. Her citizens have freely shed their blood in defence of their common country. They have volunteered in her service on the faith of solemn assurances by acts of Congress approved by yourself, that the selection of their regimental officers should be confided to the authorities of their own State, who would be comparatively familiar with their wants and with tlieir merits and claims. Sir, I implore you do not teach them that these assurances have been sohT'.n deceptions, and may be violated at the whim of any person holding a position in any of the grades of the military hierarchv, from Commander-in-Chief down to a mustering officer. \^ery respectfully, your obd't serv't,

A. G. CURTIN.

To this no reply was received. On the receipt of the following letters, addressed to the Surgeon General of Pennsylvania, surgeons were at once assigned to the regiment and ordered forward.

H'dq'rs Prov'l _'d Pa. II. Art., Prov'I Brig., ist Div., 9th Corns, Va.,

May 29, 1864. .Adjutant General U. -S. Army. — Sir: — For the reason that no medical at- tendance has been permanently attached to my regiment by tlie Deiiartment, I appealed to my brigade commander, who assigned temporarily Assistant Sur- geon L. Phillips, 14th New York artillery. I most respectfully request that As- sistant Surgeon L. Phillips be permanently attached as surgeon of this regiment not only for his energy and ability, but for the marked success with which he alone has managed the 1,200 men now in my command. It is needless for me to set forth the imfiortance of haz'ing permanent medical attendance. The two assistant surgeons ordered to report to me by the Medical Department at Washing, ton, are not with the regiment. The one left it after being attached two dayx without ever reporting the cause therefor — the other one has not yet reported. I am, General, most respectfully, your obedient servant,

THOS. WILHKLM, Col. Pro. 2d Penna. Heavy Artillery, Commanding. Surgeon General's Office.

June 14, 1864. (A true copy).

Chas. C. Lee, Assistant Surgeon U. S. Army.

Surgeon General's Office.

Washington, D. C, June 14, 1864. Sir: — I am directed by the acting Surgeon General to call your attention to the fact that the Provisional Pennsylvania 2d Heavy Artillery has been sent to the field without commissioned medical officers, and that virgent complaint is made upon the want of medical attendance, as will be seen by the enclosed letter. Your attention is respectfully called to this subject at your earliest con- venience. The two assistant surgeons rcferretl to in Col. Williams' letters, were serving temporarily under contract. I am, sir, very respectfully your obedient servant. l!v order of tlie .Acting Surg. Gen.,

CHAS. C. LEE, Ass't. Surgeon U. S. A. Dr. Wm. S. King, Surg. Gen. Pa., Harrisburg, Pa.

Before, however, the surgeons so assigned had joined the regiment, the following letter was received from the Surgeon General of the United States :

Surgeon Gener.\l's Office.

Washington, D. C., June 22, 1864. Sir: — On the 14th inst. a letter was written to you calling your attention to the fact that the 2d Provisional Pennsylvania heavy artillery had been sent to the field without commissioned medical officers.

Since the above letter was mailed, this office has been informed by the War Department that "it (the 2d Pennsylvania artillery regiment) is a provisional regiment organized by this (War) Department, and the Governor of Pennsylvania

84

PETERSBURG.

cannot commission officers for it, and commissions by the Governor cannot be recognized." I am, sir, very respectfully your obedient servant. By order of the Acting Surg. Gen.

C. H. CRANE, Surg. U. S. A. Dr. James King, Surg. Gen. Penna., Harrisburg, Pa.

Immediately upon the receipt of this letter, I again addressed the President of the United States as follows :

Penna. Executive Chamber.

Harrisburg, June 24, 1864. Sir: — Since my communication of the i6th June, instant, the Surgeon General of Pennsylvania has received a letter from the Acting Surgeon General of the United States, a copy of which is herewith furnished, in which you notice that it is assumed that the Governor of Pennsylvania cannot commission officers in what is called the 2d Penna. heavy artillery regiment, and that the surgeons sent forward by my direction cannot be recognized by the War Department. I cannot believe that this assumption of power can meet your approbation, and feel it my duty to ask the question.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

A. G. CURTIN. To the President.

P. S. — That vou may have a knowledge of the position of this affair, I enclose copies of the prior correspondence between the Surgeon General United States Army and the Surgeon General of Pennsylvania.

No reply having been received, then I again addressed the Pres- ident (by telegraph) as follows:

Penna. Executive Chamber.

Harrisburg, June 30, 1864. On the i6th and 24th of June last I had the honor to address you letters in reference to the 2d heavy artillery, Pennsylvania volunteers, which I regarded as of importance to the public service, to which no answers have as yet been re- ceived.

I beg leave to call your attention to mv letters, and ask an answer. My letters from the regiment since it was sent to the front are of such a character that it is mv duty to press upon you the relief of the citizens of this State in the regiment from the wrongs under which they suffer.

A. G. CURTIN. To the President, Washington.

On the i8th of July, 1864, I received a dispatch from the President, dated the day before, inviting me to come to Washington to confer with him on the subject, to which I at once replied, also by telegraph, that I could not leave Harrisburg at that time, and that as I had fully expressed my views in my letters of the i6th and 24th June last, I did not know of anything more that I could suggest in reference to the matter, and that I had directed the military agent of the State, Col. Francis Jordan, to call upon him. and asked him to receive him.

In accordance with this arrangement. Col. Jordan had an interview with the President, and reported to me that the President expressed a willingness to remove Col. Gibson, and I presume that has been done; but as to the question of officering the regiment, I am as yet unadvised ; and, indeed, from the lapse of time, am induced to infer that the as- sumption of power by the War Department, in the order appointing officers, has not been abandoned.

A. G. CURTIN.

But, the incident in no way affected the competency of Colonel (iibson to command a body of troops, and much less

PETERSBURG.

85

did it detract from him the admiration and love of his regi- ment

On July 25th, 1864, details from the several Batteries of the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery were made to construct a bridge across the ravine just to the left of the City Point & Petersburg Railroad bridge, which was after- wards utilized by Federal engineers in constructing the railroad which transported supplies from City Point to the

FRED. BREGLER, Battery B.

left of General Grant's line, beyond Hatcher's Run.

That same night the regiment again entered the pits, at the point usually occupied by it.

The firing on the enemy on July 26th was mostly con- fined to the left of the line, in the vicinity of the Second and Ninth Corps, who repulsed two attacks on them with a loss to the enemy of seven guns and over four hundred prison- ers.

86 PETERSBURG.

About this time many deserters from the enemy en- tered the works occupied by the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery, after dark, giving much information as to how soldiers were faring in the services of the Confederacy, depicting general dissatisfaction in the Army of Virginia, and boldly asserted that thousands of Confederate soldiers would avail themselves of the iirst opportunity to desert.

The regiment was again relieved from duty in the pits during a heavy rainstorm on the night of July 27th, and repaired to its camp in the ravine, where dress parade and inspection was held on the afternoon of the following- day. The clothing of the men at this inspection inspired the in- specting officers to suggest the propriety of having the men supplied with better raiment, which was, to a limited extent, supplied a few days afterwards.

After inspection, dress parade ^yas had, w'hen a repre- sentative of Harper's JVeckly made a sketch of the regi- ment, which was published in that paper and occupied the two inside pages. In its comments, the paper said : "The Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery is recognized to be the l^est drilled and disciplined regiment in the volunteer service, and Col. Gibson is not only proud of his 'boys,' but feels assured the regiment will continue to hold its own in any duty it may be called upon to perform."

On the 29th of July orders were given for the regiment to pack up and get ready to move. Five days' rations were issued to the men, and in the afternoon tents were struck, knapsacks packed, sixty extra rounds of ammunition given each man, and after the regiment was formed in line Chap- lain Hunt addressed the men, bid them good-bye, and de- voutly implored God's blessing upon them, plainly intimat- ing that there was to be "something doing" soon; after which the arms were inspected by the officers of each Bat- tery respectively, followed by stacking them, then the com- mand "rest!" was given.

Many laid down on the ground and slept, while others conversed' and conjectured as to what was to take place, until about 10. o'clock p. m., when "fall in" was sounded, and the regiment, "breaking off" to the left, took up the march to a position some two miles distant. The road

PETERSBURG. 87

over which it marched was hned with amljulances, stretcher bearers and other "ghastly requisites" of an army. On reaching a chimp of woods in the rear of the breastworks occupied by the 9th Corps, the regiment came to a hah, and, after some manoeuvreing, formed Hne of battle in an open field to the right and rear of the above mentioned Corps, where the men lay on arms and were soon lost in sleep.

In front of the 9th Corps was a fort of the enemy, known as "Fort Hell," which had been undermined by Col. Pleasanton's 48th Regiment of Pennsylvania Volun- teers. The fort, which was about two hundred feet distant from the works of the 9th Corps was located on a hill im- mediately in front of the Provisional Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery, the offspring of the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery, which was organized therefrom, at Fort Ethan Allen in April, and which regiment was the first and last body of Federal troops to occupy the "Crater" on July 30, 1864, entering it with a cheer in a charge after the blow- ing up of the fort, and the major portion of those not killed or wounded leaving it as prisoners of war through the ne- glect of some one in not having properly supported the gal- lant band of heroes.

The Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery was aroused at about 4.45 o'clock on the morning of July 30th, by what seemed an earthquake, and the sight that presented itself was grand to behold. A column of fire and smoke with cannon, horses, men and earth co-mingled therewith, some 200 or more feet in the air, certainly was a sight never to be forgotten by those who saw it.

The debris caused by the springing of the mine had barely descended to the ground, when a cheer, indicating a charge of Federal troops, was heard, and those in front saw the Third Brigade Hedlie's Division of the 9th Corps, led by the "Provisional boys" enter the "crater."

The enemy soon recovered from their surprise, and in an almost increditable short space of time opened one of the most terrific fires of artillery and musketry of the whole war.

88 PETERSBURG.

Shortly after the fighting began, the Second Penn- sylvania Heavy Artillery was marched forward on a double quick, through the clump of woods in its front to a point about two hundred yards in rear of the 9th Corps reserves, or about five hundred yards from the "crater," where it remained about fifteen minutes, after which it was faced to the rear and marched back into the woods about fifty yards, facing about and coming to a halt again.

Shortly after. General Grant, accompanied by an aide and orderly, rode up within a few feet of where the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery stood, dismounted, turned his blouse inside out, exchanged his hat, with a private of this regiment for a cap, and, all alone, advanced to a position near the "Crater," viewed the field with glasses and re- turned.

On his return he asked General Hinks. who had ap- proached to where Grant's horse was held, "where is But- ler?" He spoke in tones that many troops near by heard him, and, before General Hinks could answer, they shouted, "In a gopher hole." Although apparently vexed at the state of affairs, General Grant, with General Hinks and other field officers near by, could not evade laughing at the spon- taneous expression of the troops.

Captain Baggs' description of the occasion is as fol- lows :

"We heard the explosion and reaHzed that it was a complete sur- prise to the rebels. The firing on both sides was terrific, both with cannon and small arms. But the rebels soon sent in their supports and nearly all our colored troops were shot in the line of the enemy's works that they had captured, but were not able to hold. Gen. Grant was on the ground and went up to view the line for himself. I re- member seeing him walking through the woods, entirely alone, and with- out any arms at all. He was in a fatigue suit and smoking a cigar. He had seen that it was a failure and ordered the disposition of the troops accordingly. We were ordered into the intrenchment at this point. In passing through the woods to our position, I saw several men resting themselves, when a rebel shell fell alongside of one of the men and exploded. It literally tore the man all to pieces, blowing him in the air, probably fifty feet, and as he came down he looked like a rag. We were placed in the entrenchments lately occupied by the regiment that did the mining.

There was no picket firing or sharpshooting at this part of the line, which was a great relief to us. But the weather became rainy and we found the mud a very disagreeable accompaniment of our new posi-

PETERSBURG.

89

tion. We were not allowed to stay here long, however, but were moved near to our former position and brought under constant firing again."

GROUP OF SURVIVORS.

From a photograph taken at the reunion at I'liilailelphia in 18S8.

Adjt. Griigati. Lieut. Porterfield.

Lieut. Gramlich. Col. Gibson. Col. Strawbridge. Heury Cornish Geo. W. Ward. Capt. Haig. "Al." Berger.

The Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery remained in its last described position until about 11 o'clock, shot, shell and bullets falling promiscuously and undesirably close around it, making the men feel uneasy, and, as every sol-

90 PETERSBURG.

dier knows from experience, under such circumstances, anx- ious to be "in it" rather than be held in suspense, seeing their comrades in front falHng in squads when, if per- mitted, they might at least lend some assistance in their noble effort to hold the ground taken.

Comrade Coursey, of Battery G, in his memoirs, re- ferring to this regiment on the above occasion, says :

"On the night of July 29, you might have looked to the left of the Petersburg & City Point Railroad, and saw a ravine in which a small stream ran. On its banks are our regiment and the troops of the i8th Corps, all with gum blankets and half of a -shelter tent strapped on their backs, five days' rations in their haversacks, with twenty rounds of ammunition in addition to the forty rounds in their cartridge boxes.

In passing I might mention that troops in active service seldom carried knapsacks. The first day's march they were generally destroy- ed or left behind. This would give us one change of clothing and that on our backs. For nearly six months this continued. But don't imag- ine it was the same old shirt. Oh, no, we often drew from the quar- termaster a new one, when the old one became so infested with lively things that we had to part company.

But to go back to the scene in the ravine. We were all waiting to go out to the front line of works — waiting longer than usual. Our anxiety is relieved by the First Sergeant's command, "Fall in !" He passes on down the line examining critically the hammers and locks of our muskets and the stock of amunition on hand. He never ex- amined our haversacks. We looked into them ourselves, and often found them, like Mother Hubbard's cupboard, bare.

Something unusual is about to occur. The command is again, "rest," and lying down many are soon asleep.

Soon, however, the command is again given to "fall in," and we are soon marching away to the left — some two miles. Reaching the main road we overtake a long line of ambulances with their stretchers strapped to their sides, still colored by the blood of those who had previously been borne wounded to the rear. They move to the side of the road to allow us to pass, and our feelings are not improved any by the unusual number of surgeons and attendants with their cases of surgical instruments, and known in the army as "Jewelry peddlers." All this indicating the terrible work on hand for to-morrow.

We arrived at our place in the line in rear of the 9th corps, and were soon in the same condition as we were in the ravine — awakened now and then by the weird and melancholy strains of the colored divi- sion of the oih corps, singing in their quaint way —

"We looks like men a-marchin' on, We looks like men er-war."

This is the way we passed the night in front of the crater.

At 4.45 o'clock in the morning those who were asleep, and those who were not, were startled by a terrific explosion and discharge of no cannon and 50 mortars on the doomed rebel fort. Oh, how we shook! Some said, "If 1 could only get my morning's coffee I would

PETERSBURG. 9 1

not sliake from this cold Virginia dew." Still we shook. Our teeth chattered, and this was perceptible at the right of our company. A small fire had been built and at its embers our Capt. Barber was trying to light a cigar. Chauncy Bryant, who had an impediment in his speech, noticed the nervous condition of his young commander, and said: 'C-Captain, w-what w-would you d-o if n-no one w-was 1-looking?' The Captain replied, "I don't know, Chauncy, what would you do?' 'G-Golly, I-Fd r-run !' And but for the honor of our manhood that tied us to the ranks and bound us to the flag, we would all have run.

We were right in the rear of the charging division when the order came to advance. The officers aligned their commands, the color- bearers drew out their flags from their cases, the bugle sounds the advance and the troops go forward in as fine a line of battle as I ever saw. They entered the covered way and soon appear on the hill and charge up into the crater, one of the regiments the Provisional Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery going beyond and reaching the farthest point of advance of the morning.

While all this was going on and the Union side adding lilunder on blunder, the rebels were recovering from their fright and massing artillery on either flank of the crater, with infantry in the rear. Into this the colored division plunged, and recoiled, torn, shattered and bleeding from the terrible discharges of grape and canister. They re- treat to the crater, and many run the gauntlet and pass through our line to the rear.

Now commences the slaughter of the men in the crater. The enemy brings up cohorn mortars and place them in front of the posi- tion and rain shell on this mass of mixed up humanity. Three times the white flag is raised, but no attention is paid to it, as the colored men went in with the cry, "Fort Pillow and no quarter !" Gen. Ma- hone, the commander of the division, told his men as they were ready to advance to re-capture the crater, "Show them what this cry meant.'

On Cemetery Hill General Lee with his aides and other military leaders are looking through their field glasses. He turns to Gen. Ma- hone and says, 'General, retake that position.' He replied, 'General Beauregard lost it, and it is military etiquette that he retake it.' Said Lee, 'You take that position and we will talk about military eti- quette afterwards.' Gen. Mahone then said, 'I don't need my division ; I can take it with two brigades.' And he did, and out of the goo who oflfered to surrender only 300 found their way to the rebel rear."

The battle was fought on Saturday, and it was Mon- day forenoon before a flag of truce ^^■as recognized and the dead buried.

Sergeant McCurdy, of the 8th Alabama, Confederate regiment, who was in the fight, in an article written by him on "The Fight of the Crater," says:

"Along the lines and in the crater in many places the dead were piled three and four deep, and when they were thrown out the blood remained half shoe deep. The day was the hottest in Virginia for thirty years, and the stench of the powder and blood and the bodies of the slain and wounded men was terrible to endure, many men vomiting as the result."

92 PETERSBURG.

At about 1 1 o'clock the firing in front almost ceased, and then the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery marched about two miles to the left and rear, when it was again formed in line of battle, marched forward to a line of earthworks, the men then occupying them "easing off" to the right and left to permit this regiment to enter them, which it did, and remained in that position until about 5 o'clock p. m., when the regiment was relieved by troops of the Second Corps, and then marched back to its former position in the clump of woods immediately in front of the "Crater," where it was engaged all night in felling the trees and building breastworks and batteries, the enemy keeping up an artillery fire the whole night.

During the days of July 31st and August ist and 2nd, the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery encamped just in rear of the earthworks it threw up the night of July 30th, rain falling all three days, the atmosphere being very cool.

During a heavy musketry fire several men in the regi- ment were struck with spent bullets, among them being Lieutenant Jerome Buck, Lieutenant W. C. Laughlin and Sergeants Porterfield, Gramlich and Fisher, none of whom, however, were seriously wounded.

About 3 o'clock p. m., of August 2nd, the regiment was relieved by colored troops, and then marched back to its old camping ground in the ravine.

Reaching the camping ground about 5 o'clock p. m., tents were pitched, supper cooked (?) and eaten; roll-call was sounded, and after going through that "performance," arms were stacked, "right-face! break ranks!" was ordered, and the men, knowing full well that with arms stacked, something else was "on the carpet," hastened to the stream of water in front and began to bathe, a luxury they seldom enjoyed during the "siege of Petersburg." Not only the men, but officers also took advantage of the opportunity to indulge in a bath, one of whom said "it certainly is a treat."

At this time the regiment was greatly reduced in num- bers— the list of killed, wounded, captured and sick being more than one-half of the number that left Fort Ethan Allen on the 27th of May.

PETERSBURG. 93

About this time General Ames, who commanded the Second Division of the i8th Army Corps, to which the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery was attached, formed an extra body of men to act as sharpshooters, many of whom were detailed from the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery (the writer being one of the number), to assist the regular sharpshooters in keeping up a continuous fire from the pits.

Shortly after 8 o'clock p. m., August 2nd, the regi- ment again marched to its old position in the pits to the left of the City Point and Petersburg Railroad, where the men were required to remain awake the whole night, in antici- pation of an attack by the enemy, who were massed directly in front of the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery, and as deserters had stated the enemy had undermined Fort Steadman, it was expected to be the point of attack.

Before daylight the next morning, August 3rd, the regiment moved a short distance to the right, and "closed up," to make room for colored troops who had been held in reserve just to the rear of this regiment during the night.

The advent of these colored men was the incentive for a concentrated fire of artillery and musketry, by the enemy on the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery, and, of course was promptly responded to. Several men of the regiment were wounded, and one or two killed. The firing was kept up during that and the following day.

The Confederates attempted to blow up Fort Stead- man on the 5th of August, but, anticipating such an in- tention on the part of the enemy, wells were previously sunk around it, and the mine leading to the fort being more than two hundred feet short of reaching it the attempt was a failure. The fort was partly built by the Second Penn- sylvania Heavy Artillery, and the regiment lay with its left flank almost in front of the fort when the mine was exploded, consecjuently the regiment suffered somewhat from the firing subsequent to the explosion.

The Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery was re- lieved from the pits on the night of August 5th and returned to its camp, where it enjoyed a couple of days in compara- tive rest, and new clothing was furnished many of the men.

94 PETERSBURG.

While leaving the breastworks, Lieutenant Jerome Buck, of Battery L, was struck by a bullet, but his gum blanket prevented a wound.

On the /th of August the regiment moved to the left, immediately adjoining the 9th Corps in the breastworks, near the Hare House.

On Monday morning, August 8th, while on picket, several men of the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery were wounded and one or two were killed. Among the former was Franklin Divine, of Battery M, who was shot through the mouth. John Tench of the same Batterv vol- unteered to go and bring him in, which he did by crawling flat on his stomach to where Divine lay, placed Divine on his (Tench's) back and returned in the same manner. It was still moonlight and the enemy's pickets not one hundred feet away, making it a daring and heroic act, for had Tench been seen he would have had but one chance in a hundred, so to speak, of not being shot.

However, the above is but one of the many instances of such deeds performed by individual members of the regi- ment during its time of service.

Another incident, to illustrate the heroism of men that comprised the regiment, is that of Corporal Story, of Bat- tery D, who on the T6tli of June, 1864, to ascertain if the batteries near Fort Clifton were occupied, entered a small, flat-bottom boat lying on the banks of the Appomattox river, paddled half-way over, raised his rifle, and fired at the enemy's works, resulting in a hundred or more musket balls flying around him. one or two of which penetrated his clothing. He (lro])])ed flat in the boat, and wnth one oar sculled himself back out of rifle range. The battery, evi- dently, was manned, and Colonel Gibson, becoming con- versant with that fact, through Corporal Story's exploit, moved his command to cover therefrom, but none too soon, as immediately thereafter the battery sent shot and shell across the Appomatox river at a lively rate. Had the regi- ment gone much farther in the open this battery would have had a flank fire on it, and, consequently, by Story's act, escaped without serious results.

PETERSBURG. 95

During the day of August 8th the paymaster made his appearance at the regiment's camp in the ravine, when at in- tervals and in squads of eight or ten at a time, the men w^uld run the gauntlet of sharpshooters, mostly going by way of the "covered way" (a ditch dug zig-zag from the pits to some distance in the rear) to get their pay. many of whom, however, got little or no money, Sutler Wood, of course, being present to claim and collect amount due him for goods procured from him "on tick."

For a few days after pay, a great many men indulged in games of chance, the most of whom seemed infatuated with the"sweatboard" way of getting "broke," while, others, of course, had "a social game of poker," etc. It was very amusing, at times, to see the manner in which they would "hoodwink" the officers who would "get onto the game," and in many instances men detailed to leave the pits to see whether a certain man was really in camp would find the sick (?) man "backing the board," and in three cases out of five the "detective" would "take a hand or two" before going back to report — and invariably they would report the man sick.

On Augaist 9th, 1864, an explosion of an ammunition boat at City Point brought the men of the regiment to their feet, they thinking the concussion was caused by "another attempt of the enemy to blow us up." Many, however, who were facing the rear, saw the air filled with cannon, horses, fire, smoke, etc., a few seconds before the shock was felt, and thus guessed what it was.

That evening the Tenth New York Heavy Artillery relieved the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery, which then repaired to its camp in the ravine, where it rested the following day, and on the day following was inspected by the brigade commander.

That night, August nth, the regiment again returned to its usual position in the pits, relieving the Tenth New York Heavy Artillery and remained there, the usual firing being kept up until the night of the 13th, when it was re- lieved, and learned that the Tenth New York had gone to join General Sheridan in the Shenandoah Valley.

96

PETERSBURG.

Captain Baggs, then in command of the Third Batta- lion of the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery, moved his command to the Ninth Corps' front on the 14th of August, taking position just in rear of the "crater mine," which was almost as hot a position as it formerly held near the City Point Railroad.

On the 15th of August, during a heavy rainstorm, a dam at the breastworks, some distance up the ravine in

J. HENRV PIPPITT. Battery H.

which the regiment had its camp, gave way, causing a rapid rise in the stream and not only washed away all the camp's equipage, l)ut caused the drowning of some two hundred soldiers who were camped some distance ftu'ther up the ravine and were caught in the sudden rise of the water, mostly of whom were colored troops. Many were seen floating down the current on logs, but were unable to make shore, and were carried to the railroad bridge, where, strik-

PETERSBURG. 97

ing the stone abutments, would become entangled in the jam of logs there and be either killed or drowned.

Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin F. Winger, in a letter, referred to the flood and his experiences as follows :

"A funny, yet sad thing occurred at the time of a big Virginia flood in the ravine in the rear of Fort Steadman, in 1864, where we had our main headquarters. Several sutlers' tents were in this ra- vine, and their whole stock was flooded down the stream towards the Appomatox. A number of cases of champagne were seen swimming along, and an old sailor jumped in and got a case. An old soldier seeing it, also jumped in, and attempted to capture two cases, but failed, for, although a good swimmer, the swift current of the waters carried him down to the railroad bridge, where, being caught and fastened in the debris, he was drowned.

During our service of three and a half years we did much hard and faithful duty; and yet we had with it some pleasant experiences, all of which we would not surrender for all the other experiences of our lives."

The Batteries of the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Ar- tillery that were in the pits were relieved and returned to camp in a drenching rain, about 3 o'clock the morning of August 1 6th, when, after breakfast and doctor-call, the regiment was inspected, extra rations and ammunition is- sued to the men, and they told to hold themselves in readi- ness to move at a moment's notice.

About 6 o'clock that evening the regiment fell in again and marched to the left two miles, to about the posi- tion that the Provisional regiment occupied the morning of the "crater fight," where it was put to work repairing dam- age done to the breastworks by the flood a day or two be- fore, in addition to corduroying and otherwise repairing the roads, all the time being under the fire of the enemy's sharp- shooters and artillery, however, with little loss.

On the afternoon of August i8th, 1864, the firing of both sides was something terrific, and very little work, be- yond "juking" shells and bullets, was done Soon after dark the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery was marched about half a mHe to a woods in the rear, and, almost ex- hausted from fatigue and want of sleep, was permitted to lay down until midnight, at which time it was again called up, and formed in line "to move at a moment's notice." Shortly afterwards, the "scare," whatever it was, not ma-

98 PETERSBURG,

terializing, the regiment took up the march to its old camp- ing ground in the ravine, which was reached about 3 o'clock on the morning of August 19th, where it again pitched tents and remained until the night of the 20th, the regi- ment being drilled and inspected during the day, with dress parade iii the evening.

After night set in the regiment was again ordered into the pits, this time occupying them almost from the Appo- matox river on its right to nearly opposite Fort Steadman, on its left, this being necessary owing to the absence of troops belonging to the i8th Corps, they having been sent to Sheridan in the Shenandoah Valley, and to fill vacancies caused by troops leaving the pits farther on the left for the same destination.

The Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery remained in the pits until the night of August 24th, when it was again relieved and returned to its camp.

At 10 o'clock a. m., August 25th, 1864, the regimental bugles of the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery sounded "Assemble." After falling in line Colonel Fairchild ad- dressed the command and, intimating a movement about to be made more congenial to the men, complimented it for the very patient and faithful manner in which the men so far had served their country and as entertaining implicit confidence that thev "would continue to do so in other fields."

After a short "in place, rest," the regiment took up the march, and 5 o'clock p. m. found it at Point of Rocks, on the Appomatox river, where tents were pitched and the regiment went into Camp.

The departure from Petersburg front was marked by rejoicing among the men and officers. Seventy-two days in the seige of the city, under continuous fire of shot and shell at night with that of musketry added in the daytime, the deadly sharpshooters' vigil watch assuring death or wound to any who unthinkingly permitted any part of his person to protrude beyond or above cover, was straining to the nerves in the extreme, and many members of the regiment paid the forfeit. Adding to the above the impure and lim- ited supply of water to l)e had ; the intense heat ; the drench-

PETERSBURG. 99

ing rains ; the plague of flies by day and mosquitoes at night, with the "grayback" pestering day and night, with- out regard to rain or shine, certainly was a state of affairs to incline any class of men to rejoice exceedingly when re- lieved therefrom.

Endurance of the above by the soldiers of 1861-65 cer- tainly merits the most generous evidence of appreciation from the succeeding generations of that country that their services and sufferings made possible to be enjoyed by pos- terity as the land of the free and home of the brave.

lOO

CHAPTER VI.

Bermuda Hundred Front.

On the 26th clay of August, 1864, at 10 o'clock a. m., the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery again struck tents and marched to Bermuda Hundred front, thence to a woods at a point near the Appomatox river on the line of earth- works known as "Bermuda Hundred Front."

The Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery here formed the "Provisional Brigade Defences of Bermuda Hundred," under command of General Ferrero.

Here the regiment realized an agreeable surprise, in- asmuch as it had been accustomed to being under contin- uous fire when behind breastworks, as at Cold Harbor and Petersburg, it anticipated a continuance of the same when ordered behind those at Bermuda Hundred Front. Such was not the case; not even on the picket line, which at this place was over a mile in front of the breastworkss at some points, and at certain places along the line the pickets would exchange papers, tobacco and coffee. The camp was near a signal tower about 150 feet high, known as the "Crow's Nest Lookout," from which a view could be had of the sur- rounding country and also of the movements of the enemy.

The first two or three days at Bermuda Hundred Front the several Batteries of the regiment had inspection, and the Battalions were changed about somewhat.

On the 31st of August the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery was permitted to visit other troops along the line, without passes, something heretofore unknown by the men.

Between the 31st of August and the 5th of September the regiment done comparatively nothing except rest, and

BERMUDA HUNDRED FRONT. lOI

furnish small details from each Battery daily for picket duty. To quote an officer's expression made some time after the war, in referring to the regiment's services at this point — 'Tt was a picnic compared with Cold Harbor and Petersburg."

Return of the Provisional Regiment.

On the 5th day of September, 1864, the regiment was paraded to receive into its ranks again what was left (437- men) of that gallant band of comrades, numl3ering over 1400, and designated "The Provisional Second Pennsylva- nit Heavy Artillery," which was composed of men from the ranks of the "Second Heavy," and with which it parted at Fort Ethan Allen on the 26th of April, 1864.

There never was a day in the history of the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery, before or after the 5th day of September, 1864, except it be at the time of its final dis- charge from military service, that more genuine pleasure and happiness was afforded its membership than this, the re- uniting of the two regiments — parent and child, as it were. The re-uniting was not that only of the two regiments, but, in many instances, that also of father and son, brothers as well as schoolmates, "chums," etc. ; and to those comrades present on that occasion the event will not be forgotten until that day when they "shall meet again never to part any more forever."

The following is the order re-uniting the two regi- ments :

"War Department, Adj. Gen'l's Office. Washington, Aug. 26, 1864. Special Order, No. 282.

Extract. 12. The organization styled the "Provisional 2d Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery" as temporarily organized by Special Orders, No. 153, April 20th, 1864, from this Office, is hereby discontinued, and the en- listed men thereof will be returned to the 2d Pennsylvania Heavy Ar- tilery, (from the surplus of men of which the Provisional regiment was formed, there to be assigned to companies so as to fill them to the maximum. The excess, if any, will be distributed pro rata among the companies, and borne upon the rolls thereof as "unassigned."

The commissioned officers of the Provisional organization will

I02 ■ BERMUDA HUNDRED FRONT.

fall back upon their respective grades, (as retained for them by Spec- ial Orders No. 153,) in the original organization.

Those who, prior to their provisional appointments, were enlisted men, will be retained as officers, and the Regimental Commander will report their names to the Governor of the State, with the view of their being commissioned to vacancies now existing, or which may occur.

The Commanding General of the Army of the Potomac will cause the Provisional regiment, (now in the Qth Corps,) to be sent to the 18th Army Corps, in order that the Commanding General thereof may look to the prompt execution of this Order, through the Corps Com- missary of Musters.

The consolidation effected, the Commissary of Musters will make a full return of the force to this Office, reporting therein his action in full.

Bv order of tlie Secretary of War :

E. D. TOWNSEND,

Assistant Adjutant General.

Official :

E. D. ToWNSEND,

Assistant Adjutant General."

The officers and men of the Provisional regiment were distribnted among the Batteries of the old regiment pretty much as they were prior to being transferred therefrom to the Provisional regiment in April, 1864; many of the men, however, were never before with the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery, having been enlisted and sent directly to the Provisional regiment after its formation, and the names of whom were carried on the rolls after the consolidation of the two regiments as "unassigned," there being among them several whose term of enlistment was for one year only.

On the 7th of September, 1864, the First Battalion moved to the right of the line, nearly oposite Fort Darling and the Howlet House Battery on the James river, taking the place of the 189th New York Regiment, whose time of service had expired.

The following day the Second Pennsylvania Heavy .Artillery participated in a review of the Brigade in the morning and had regimental inspection in the afternoon.

Nothing except routine duty was required of the regi- ment until the 14th of the month, when, about 5 o'clock p. m., the enemy fired three or four shots at the "Crow's Nest Lookout Tower," which were "cheerfully responded to" by the "Omimodorc Perry," a ferry-boat pattern of

BERMUDA HUNDRED FRONT.

103

gunboat lying in the Appomatox river, at a point opposite a ravine running from said river midway between the two Hues and extending about half way from the Appomatox river to the James. The firing, an unusual thing at this front, brought the men of the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery from all directions to the breastworks, anxiously listening for firing by the pickets, one hour or so, when or- ders were given to "rest," the firing of the artillery having ceased.

On September i6th the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery was reviewed by Colonel Fairchild, of the 89th

F:

i^

M

^ i

/•■

BERMUDA FRONTS,

Showing location of "Crow's Nest Lookout," Breastworks,

Picket Line, Redoubts McConihe, Button

and Carpenter.

N. Y., who had been made brevet brigadier general, and the day following Major Anderson had it parade, following which dress parade was had, at which orders were read by Adjutant Florence W. Grugan, announcing the dividing of the regiment again into three Battalions, as many re- cruits were almost daily added to the regiment, and was then nearly the strength of some brigades.

On September 17th, Sutler Wood, of the regiment, was detected in some "crooked business" (selling fake Jamaica ginger, canned peaches with one peach and balance spirits frumenti) bv General Ord, who ordered his goods to be

I04 BERMUDA HUNDRED FRONT.

confiscated, and the "boys" present were not long carrying out tlie order.

The regiment was spHt up on September i8, 1864, when, by order of the Division Commander, a BattaHon was attached to each brigade of the Division.

On September 19th, the Third BattaHon of the regi- ment was sent on a double quick to intercept, if possible, the party of Confederates who had captured 2,500 head of cattle somewhere below City Point. It failed to do so. but remained on duty until September 28th at a point about three miles below City Point.

The Second Battalion, under command of Captain Mc- Clure, and the brigade to which it was attached, started to march to City Point about 9 o'clock p. m., on the 19th of September, but was ordered back before reaching there, and, accordingly, returned to Bermuda fronts that same night.

The following morning an order came for a detail of I Sergeant, 3 Corporals and 21 Privates from Battery B, and as the men were considerably worn out from the hasty march of the previous night, and not knowing the object of the detail, there was more or less grumbling when Sergeant Gramlich made out the detail, with instructions to report at Point of Rocks Hospital ; but, to their agreeable surprise, on reporting at the hospital, they relieved other troops who were performing guard duty, and continued to do so until mustered out, whilst Sergeant Gramlich and the rest of the Battery continued to perform the hazardous duties of the campaign.

A salute was fired from all the guns along the lines on morning of September 21st, 1864, ^^'^ honor of Sheridan's victory in the Shenandoah Valley, and the two Battalions of the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery at Bermuda Hundred Front participated in a review of the Division.

Another shotted salute for a victory by Sheridan was fired along the line on September 24th, some details from this regiment helping to man the guns in the batteries and redoubts along the line.

On the afternoon of Wednesday, September 28th, 1864, the Third Battalion returned to Bermuda Hundred

BERMUDA HUNDRED FRONT. IO5

Front, arriving about 5 o'clock. It had been on picket and scouting duty at a point about two miles below City Point, where it marched to on the 19th of September.

On the 25th of September, 1864, a detail of forty-three men from the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery was sent to Horse Battery B, First U. S. Artillery, and served in that Battery until the late part of October, 1865, when they again rejoined their respective Batteries in the regi- ment.

During their attachment to Horse Battery B, they were engaged at Chaplin's Farm, September 29th, to October 1st, 1864.

Darbytown, Va., October 7th, 1864, where the Battery lost 13 men, 53 horses, 4 guns and 4 caissons.

Petersburg, April 2nd, 1865, Rice's Station, April 6th, Farmville, April 7, 1865.

After a forced march of thirty-five miles, the Battery went into action, at a gallop, on the Lynchburg road at Appomatox Court House, April 9th, 1865, where it fired the last gun that was fired at the Confederate Army in Vir- ginia.

The detail was as follows :

Battery A — Max Hauser, John Heinlein, Jacob Miller, Gottfried Urbach.

Battery G — Sylvanus Beitterman, James B. Carey, Peter Endress, Samuel Groman, Eli Hazen, Jacob Heckman, Samuel M. Koch, Michael O'Neill, Frederick Wolf.

Battery H — George Dallison, George D. Grieve, Henry Hamber, Nathan Johnson, Charles McGlone, George Manypenny, John Ross, Jacob Sutton, John Shandy.

Battery I— Butler W. Beck, Robert Devlin, David A. Heisler, Wil- liam McDermott, Ritter McF. Davis, James Street, Andrew Urbach,

Battery K— Thomas W. Malone.

Battery L — John H. Brooks, John Dallas, John Driannan, Robert H. Elliott, George Fanning, Levi Frank, Charles Kahle, Baltis Miller, William C. Steck, William H. Stevens, John K. Taylor, Gaylord Wood, John Wenner.

io6

CHAPTER VII. Chapin's Farm.

At 12 o'clock on the night of September 28th, 1864, the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery was called up, and formed into line, after each man had been served with four hardtack and twenty extra round of cartridge.

The 207th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, a regi- ment of men who had enlisted for one year — called by vet- erans '*one hundred year soldiers" — took the place of the "Second Heavy" at Bermuda Hundred Front, and at 12.30 o'clock on the morning of September 29th, the last named regiment, in light marching order — without knapsacks, shel- ter tents, blankets, etc. — marched to Aiken's Landing, on the James river, a distance of about ten miles, where it crossed the river on a "muffled pontoon bridge" before day- light, and, after marching up the bluff, by way of the Varina road, formed line of battle.

The Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery, under com- mand of Major James L. Anderson, and the Eighty-ninth New York Regiments comprised the Third Brigade of the Second Division, i8th Army Corps. Colonel Fairchild, of the Eighty-ninth was in command of the Brigade, and General Heckman commanded the Division.

Soon as the line of battle was formed, the Brigade ad- vanced, double quick, into a hastily vacated camp of the enemy, a short distance in front, thence through a woods, in support of troops, under General Burnham, who were making a charge on Battery Harrison, a large work of the enemy located to the left of the Varina road.

Just as Fairchild's Brigade emerged from the woods and was climbing over a fence surrounding a cornfield. Gen-

CHAPIN S FARM. IO7

eral Burnham's troops were entering Battery Harrison, on the crest of which General Burnham was mortally wounded while leading his men in the charge.

Battery Harrison was located about five miles south- east of Richmond, and about the same distance from Aiken's Landing. Its capture included some sixteen pieces of artillery, half a dozen of which were sixty-four pound guns.

General Ord was wounded in the thigh and carried from the field shortly after Battery Harrison was captured.

The captured battery was that night unmolested, and was transformed into a fort by the Federal troops, and called Fort Burnham, in honor of the general who so suc- cessfully led his men in its capture, which was a very great feat of daring, considering the many obstacles, such as ditches, trip wires, abatis, etc., to be passed or destroyed be- fore reaching the batter}^, and General Burnham was one of the first to enter the works.

A large fort to the right of Battery Harrison, known as Fort Gilmer, was assaulted by two divisions of the Tenth Corps, in succession, in the morning, they being re- pulsed, with great loss, on each occasion.

The first assault was made by Foster's Division and the second by Birney's, the latter being colored troops.

Stimulated, probably, by General Butler's promises of promotions galore and extra six months' pay to first troops to enter Richmond, Major Anderson requested Colonel Fairchild to permit him to lead his regiment in a charge on Fort Gilmer, remarking that he believed it to be "the key to Richmond, and I believe my command can take the fort." Colonel Fairchild granted the request.

' The Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery quickly formed in line, and after explaining to Major Sadler and Captain Jones his "plan of attack,*' Major Anderson or- dered the regiment to move to the assault. Colonel Fair- child, with the 89th New York to follow in supporting distance.

After going some distance, the brigade became divided while crossing a small stream of water, in attempting to reach a knoll, and Capt. Baggs, of Battery D, then acting

io8 chapin's farm.

aide-de-camp to Col. Fairchild, was directed to go with the advance, which was the Second Penna. Heavy Artillery. On reaching- the knoll it was seen that a corn field and an open plateau intervened between the fort and the regiment, and, not to expose the men to the fire of the enemy by waiting for the 89th to come up, Major Anderson determined to order the men forward at once.

After sending the colors to the rear, as the men re- cjuested, the regiment formed line of battle under cover of the cornfield, then advanced through it to an open field or plateau immediately in front of the fort, the First Battalion, Major Anderson in command, leading, the Second, Major Sadler, on the right and the Third, Capt. Jones, on the left, the two latter Battalions about 100 yards respectively to the rear of the first.

The plateau w^as commanded by the guns of the fort in front and a battery or redoubt to the right, and also, the guns of the enemy's gunboats in the James river on the left, all of which had good range on the field. Neverthe- less, the three Battalions bravely advanced under the con- centrated fire of all the above guns, in addition to volleys of musketry from troops defending the works. The regiment had not yet fully entered the plateau when the command "double-quick!" was given, and, with a cheer the First Battalion sprang forward, followed by the other two, under a shower, as it were, of bullets and shells, men dropping, killed or wounded, at every step; yet they press on; and when within three hundred feet of the goal, Major Ander- son fell, killed. Captains Baggs and Jones and Lieut Can- non wounded. Major Sadler, seeing this, ordered his and Captain Jones' Battalion to "halt and cover," then sprang forward to the First Battalion, wdiich was beginning to waver under the terrific fire poured upon it, and, on reach- ing which, flashing his sword, led it forward, as to attempt to fall back then would mean certain death to almost every man, and, though wounded, gallantly led the remains of the shattered Battalion into the redoubt, where it was over- powered and the men made prisoners by the Confederates, who numbered several thousand.

chapin's farm. 109

In this assault the regiment lost over 300 in killed, wounded and prisoners, the body of Major Anderson being left on the field, in whose pocket was his commission as Colonel of the regiment, which he received the day before, while at Bermuda Hundred Front.

The failure of Colonel Fairchild not properly support- ing the regiment with the 89th, in a measure, at least, tended to cause failure of success in the assault.

The two Battalions of the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery regiment which were ordered to cover did so by lying down behind stumps, rocks, etc., and in squads, twos and singly, escaped, after nightfall principally, by falling back ; many though, kept up a fire on the enemy from their confined positions all the time they were compelled to remain under cover.

The following is the personal experience of S. M. Coursey, of Battery G, in the fight of September 29th.

"Well do I remember the 28th of September, 1864. In the evening we were ordered to break camp and during the night marched over the pontoon bridge across the James river. Directly after crossing, just at day-break, we were deployed in line of battle, the sound of heavy volleys of musketry and artillery coming to us as we advanced. We had occasion to cross a ditch and when Lieut. Duffield attempted to jump it he lost his balance and fell into it. There was something about this man that was very mysterious to me — the greatest mystery being how his skin held so much poor whiskey as it did.

We marched almost to a large woods and were then faced to the right and continued along the road past a battery in full view of the troops that were filing into the works at Fort Harrison. The sight was beautiful but awful. Dead and wounded men were lying over the field without number. Here two of our company showed their cowardice and left the command.

We were then marched to the right of Fort Harrison to where there was a three gun battery. The guns were still there and one rebel was drawing his last breath. We were halted here and re- formed and then ordered forward over timber which had been cut down in every conceivable shape. Sometimes our line was straight, but oftener very crooked, but we charged on. I was at the left of the company, then at the centre, and then at the extreme right. Some were shot beside me, some behind and some in front. Major Anderson was killed and most of the line officers were down. A Second Lieu- tenant of Batt. I rushed to the front, waving his sword, calling the men to follow. Not more than half the men were on their feet at this time. Bullets, grape and canister were flying so fast that it reminded one of a swarm of bees buzzing around. I was excited and saw no danger; I was trying to. keep with the line; my head was up and while looking at the fort ahead of us I ran astride of a

I lO CHAPIN S FARM.

Stump and foil on my face. When I got to my feet again there were but two men standing — Snyder and Rush of my company — who were going toward the fort. I then realized where I was and saw I was a target for the Johnnies. I was badly scared, in fact the worst scared I ever was in my life, and I don't believe I have entirely gotten over it yet. In writing this a sort of horror comes over me. Self- preservation is the first law of nature, so I got down on the ground, and discovered a stump about ten feet ahead of me. I got behind it, but it proved to be no larger than one of my legs. I was there only a few minutes when Abel, a big fat Dutchman, got down on top of me. He must have been worse scared than I was, for he did not see me. I crawled out from under him and got behind a large oak stump and lay there.

In a short time I heard a rebel officer giving orders to his men to come out and capture us. At first thought I concluded to let them capture me, but a second thought came of home and liberty and I decided to run for it. I jumped up with my gun at a trail and started.

A rebel yelled out, "Halt, you little Yankee !'' I had agreed to

obey all officers who were placed over me when I enlisted, but I did not obey him. I kept on running until I came to a big log where two men belonging to a Rhode Island regiment were sharpshooting. I stopped with them and did some shooting myself. But the rebels were getting too close picking up prisoners, so we gave them a volley and separated. I headed for a piece of woods, at the edge of which I found Captain Strawbridge, walking along with his sword in his right hand striking at chips, as unconcerned as though taking a walk for his health. Further on I came to two men of Batt. K, who were carrying Lieut. Cannon, who was desperately wounded. I offered to help them, but they wished me to give them iny blanket, which I did and helped them wrap the Lieutenant in it so they could carry him better. He was suffering great pain, having been wounded in the groin by a piece of shell or grape shot.

I retreated slowly to an old log house on the edge of the timber immediately in front of the battery where we started to make the charge. I went in and found the house deserted, and nothing eatable in sight. However, I found a pair of gold ear rings in a closet, and would have made a thorough search, but the rebels, no doubt thinking the house and woods full of Yankees, threw a two hundred pound shell through the roof, and I concluded to hunt a safer place.

Well, the great charge was over, and only a wreck remained of what was previously as fine a regiment of soldiers as the army could boast of. My impression is that our officers were ordered to only make a rcconnoisance in force. If not, it was certainly a serious blunder to send a handful of men, unsupported, to take works manned by at least six times our number. The movements of that memorable day I think lacked generalship. I have been informed there were forty thousand men massed at Chapin's Bluff, and if they had been placed in motion properly Richmond would have been an easy prey.

I found at the battery Lieut. Duffield and a few others of our company and regiment, with some from other regiments, in all about one hundred men. We did the best we could shooting at the rebels in the fort, but the distance was too great to make the fire effective. After a short time a Union battery came and unlimbered and went to shelling the fort, but they were too much exposed to a front fire from

CHAPIN S FARM,

III

the fort and a diagonal fire from the gunboats on the James river. After losing some of their men and horses the battery was withdrawn.

In the front was a withering fire, in the rear exploding shells — shells that made the ground tremble where we were, the pieces flying all around us. I saw a number of things that are seen on every battle- field. Some were crying, some singing, some playing cards, some eating, some quarreling, some caring for a wounded comrade, some swearing and some stealing from the dead. My scare ended as soon as I got with some Rhode Island men and I really enjoyed being there.

I remained there that night and the next day we rejoined the regi- ment at the left of Fort Harrison.

SERGEANT JOHN SPENCER, Battery H.

Capt. Caldwallader told me he thought I was among the killed, as he had seen me fall in front of the fort. I told him I had fallen over a stump and came out of the fight all right, and was ready for duty. I was then put on picket."

The Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery was pretty Avell scattered after being repulsed, and it was not fully re- assembled until the next morning, when it was put to work changing the abattis around Fort Burnham, and then to building earthworks to the left and rear of the fort, going in and aroiuid the fort at dusk, where it remained under fire of the enemy's batteries until the next morning, October i.

Among the wounded was Cyrus C. Trump, of Battery

112 CHAPIN S FARM.

C. He was a member of Company C, in the Provisional Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery, and by gallantly fighting- his way out managed to escape capture at Mine Run, Cold Harbor and "The Crater Fight," at Petersburg, although being one of the smallest and youngest "men" in the regiment.

The Official Records of the War of the Rebellion, Serial 87, p. 135, gives the losses of the Second Pennsyha- nia Heavy Artillery for September 29-30, 1864, as follows :

Killed, 2 officers and 12 men ; wounded, 2 officers and 83 men ; captured or missing, 5 officers and 133 men. Total, 237.

About 9 o'clock the morning of October ist. 1864. the enemy was discovered to be forming for an attack upon the fort, and about the same time the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery was relieved by some colored troops armed with "sixteen shooters," the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery filing out of the fort into the breastworks that it had thrown up to the left of the fort, in front of vvhich was a field of standing corn, details of men from the several Batteries being sent forward to cut it down for some dis- tance in front of the regiment.

At 10 o'clock the enemy w^as seen advancing over the brow of a hill in front of the fort, and the fort opened fire upon them, quickly putting them to flight.

A second attempt to retake the fort was made about 12 o'clock, noon, the charging column being three deep; but it fared even worse than at the first assault.

At 3 o'clock the same day, in triple column (six men deep) still another attempt was made to recapture the fort. This time the fort withheld its fire until the enemy was about midway of the fort and the hill behind which the Confederate lines were formed, when, at the firing of a signal gun on the right of the fort, artillery and musketry was poured into the assaulting columns with such an effect tliat barely a square foot of ground could be seen without a killed or wounded Confederate thereon. The carnage was dreadful, yet many of the attacking men reached the abatis in front of the fort before being placed Jiors dc com- bat. The enemv's "loss in these three assaults was about

CHAPIN S FARM. II3

five thousand killed, wounded and prisoners, while the Union loss was comparatively very small.

In neither of these assaults was the Second Artillery directly engaged, yet some of its men in the pits nearest the fort, animated by a desire to be in it, went into the fort and assisted in repulsing the enemy, some working at the guns, while others used their Springfield rifles, the loss in the regiment being but one killed and three wounded.

General Robert E. Lee and Ewell were present when the assaults were made, and twelve brigades of Confederates took part therein. The assaulting columns were under the command of General Robert H. Anderson, who was among the seriously wounded.

General Cecil Clay, who then commanded the Fifty- eighth Pennsylvania, gives the following account of the bloody repulse of these desperate assaults :

"The enemy advanced in column and had to charge over a slightly descending ground to reach our fort. The division came on in fine order — officers with their swords drawn, arms glittering and battle flags flying. As soon as it came within range our men began firing, and packed as they were in pits, with the men in the rear loading their pieces and handing them to their comrades in front, kept up a tremendous fire, before which nothing could stand, let alone advance. When the fire opened the men were all shooting low — 'an amiable weakness' — and a long line of puffs of dust plainly to be seen, thrown up some distance on the hither side of the advancing column, marked the impact of the balls. Presently the head of the oncoming mass reached the line of fire, and then!

It seems cruel now, thinking of it in cold blood, that men should have exulted in the slaughter of their fellows, but the necessities of war as carried on — an offensive warfare on our part — had almost invariably made us the attacking party. Now we were on the defensive and had a chance to retaliate, and we did it effectually. Away went organization, down went men, ofiicers and battle flags; no formation could stand that withering fire. Officers sprang to the front, flags waved and the crowd, for such it soon became, struggled to get up to our works; but there was no standing the racket, and the whole mass fell back' in confusion.

A second charge met the same fate, but, animated by the presence of Gen. Lee, the division made still another attempt, but only to break to the rear again, thoroughly used up. Several hundred prisoners were taken and a number of battle flags, while the ground was covered with killed and wounded. We had made a great slaughter, and Fort . Harrison was still ours, not to be again endangered. The loss on our side was small, and chiefly attributable to the fire of the Confederate gunboats in the river. Gen. Stannard, our division commander, lost an arm, and there were, perhaps, a hundred other casualties."

Many incidents of this engagement might be written worthy of note, but the following letter of Lieutenant Por- terfield. Battery D, gives an idea of its aftermath :

Philadelphia, May 14, 1904. Comrade Ward :

I notice that many of the boys have written to you their recol- lections of different events coming to their notice during the "War of the Rebellion." I well remember the ist of October, 1864, when

114 CHAPIN S FARM.

the Rebels tried to recapture Fort Harrison. They formed under cover of the woods in rear of the fort, bot which now had become the front. Between them and the fort was an open space ; at the foot of this space lay a small ravine, covered with scraggy underbrush, then an incline leading up to the fort. They never crossed the ravine ; had they done so very few of them would have lived to tell the story, for the guns from the fort would have swept them into eternity.

After their repulse, for three days they refused to acknowledge a flag of truce for the purpose of burying their dead, who lay in the hot sun and rain; finally, however, they gave way, and I was ordered out to take charge of a detail to assist in the work. Its memories are with me yet; the sight and stench was something awful; they lay in all sorts of positions — sitting, laying and kneeling, piled to- gether and separate. There was the frame of what had been once a barn, where many of them had sought shelter. Scores of them found death there. I remember one poor fellow whom we found still alive. A minnie ball had ploughed across his face, taking both eyes away; his condition was sickening to look at; he was conscious, however, and told me he belonged to an Alabama regiment. He begged piti- fully for water. We brought him into our lines, but the doctor said he had but a short time to live. There were very many greater fights, and greater numbers killed, during the war, but never was more courage displayed on any field than those men showed in their effort to recapture Fort Harrison. It was a hopeless charge, but it made defeat glorious and Chaffins Farm immortal.

THOS. PORTERFIELD.

October 3d to 5th the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Ar- tillery was engaged in building breastworks and batteries from Fort Burnham to Fort Brady, near the Dutch Gap Canal, and, at night, details were made for picket along the corn field extending from Fort Burnham to Fort Brady.

The Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery, from some unexplained cause, received no rations from time of leaving Bermuda Hundred Front on the night of September 28th, until the"6th of October, the men subsisting on the dry and parched corn gathered in the field in front of the breast- works. The men would punch holes, with their bayonets in their tin plates, and grate the corn (which was somewhat like adamant) to make batter cakes. With no salt, it was almost tasteless, yet the men declared it was genuine "John- ny cake."

From the 5th to the 9th of October the regiment was not engaged in anytliing noteworthy, nothing except picket and guard duty being recjuired of it, Init on the Qth it built a large battery in the breastworks to the left of Fort Burn-

CHAPIN S FARM.

115

ham, about a quarter of a mile distant, in which was placed ten cannon, including two thirty-two pound Parrot guns.

T]ie weather ever since September 29th was alternately showers, heavy rains, sunshine and frosts, and the men, l)eing without tents, blankets, etc., suffered considerable therefrom.

Nothing new presented itself to the Second Pennsyl- vania Heavv Artiherv until tl"":. nth of October, when in

/

CAPT. JOSEPH W. WINGER,

Battery D.

the early morning of that day a party of Confederates de- serted to the pickets of the regiment. All the deserters more or less strongly denounced the Confederacy, and inti- mated three out of every five Confederate soldiers were anx- iously awaiting an opportune moment to desert.

These expressions of discontent in the Confederate ranks tended somewhat to stimulate the men of the Sec- ond Pennsylvania Pleavy Artillery, believing which inclined

ii6 chapin's farm.

them to the hope that the days of the Southern Confederacy were about numbered.

The regiment moved farther to the right, connecting thereon with Fort Burnham, in the early morning of Octo- ber I2th, and details were made and sent to assist in digging "Butler's Dutch Gap" Canal, an occupation which was not eagerly sought by any of the troops, owing to the immense number of shells daily thrown therein by the enemy.

The Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery was called up to the breastworks on the following morning, October 13th, in readiness to move forward, but was soon thereafter commanded to "rest." The troops on the extreme right of the line, however, had a brush with the enemy, capturing two small forts, several guns and a few prisoners.

On the 19th of October, 1864, cheering in the Con- federate lines was heard, followed by an artillery salute, which, shortly after, their pickets said, was for Jubal Early, who had won a great victor}^ over General Sheridan.

Towards evening of that same da}^ cheering was heard along the Union line, descending from the right, each suc- cessive command taking it up in turn, the Second Pennsyl- vania Heavy Artillery participating therein, not knowing for what reason until the guns of the Union troops belched forth with "shotted salute," when along the line came the shout : " 'Little Phil' knocked the stuffing out of 'Jubilee' Early!"

The loth New York Heavy Artillery, which had been with the 2d Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery from Port Royal to Cold Harbor, thence to Petersburg, where it left August 13th, was remembered by this regiment as having been sent to Sheridan, and many expressions of commendation were made, only to be informed later that "The Tenth wasn't in it," it being on duty guarding sheep and wagons at the time of the battle of Cedar Creek.

On October 20th, 1864, inspection was held in the morning and in the afternoon some of the men of the late "Provisional vSecond" were mustered for back pay services hi that regiment.

The following day the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery participated in a grand review, and later in the

CHAPIN S FARM. IIJ

day were called into the earthworks, but soon dismissed again.

The "Provisional boys" of the regiment were paid off on the 22d of October, 1864, and the men of the "Old Regiment" were guests of the former, who spent the balance of the day "treating" the latter at Sutler Wood's, which notable, accompanied by his smiling lieutenant, Al. Berger, never failed to show up when the boys had money.

The usual routine of duty only was required of the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery, such as picket and guard details, until the afternoon of October 23rd, when inspection was had, and in the evening the men's knapsacks, tents, etc., which were left at Bermuda Front on the 28th of September, were returned to them, and the tents pitched in rear of the breastworks to the left of Fort Burnham. Heavy frosts at night were the rule about this time, so the tents and extra clothing were a Godsend at that time.

The following day, October 24th, a convicted deserter and "bounty jumper" passed through the camp, under guard, with a placard on his breast noting who he was, and on his back was one defining the sentence— -in addition to being paraded before the troops — "three years' imprison- ment at hard labor."

On Wednesday, the 26th of October, 1864, the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery moved still further to the right, garrisoning Fort Burnham — other troops moving to the right and left of it ; and the picket line was strengthened in the evening, evidently anticipating an attack. Nothing, however, occurred until the following afternoon, when the enemy opened an artillery fire on the fort and to the right of the line, which was responded to by the fort and batteries nearby. Two or three men of the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery were wounded in the fort.

The cannonading on the right terminated in the enemy advancing on the Tenth Corps troops near New Market road, and succeeding in capturing two or three thousand men of that Corps.

In this fiasco. Battery G had two men wounded.

The most amusing part of the cannonading was the flight of the regiment's sutler, Wood. He had six mules

ii8 chapin's farm.

to his wagon, which had l:)een driven pretty close up to the fort, and was about to open up for business when the ene- my began firing shells. The first one had barely exploded before Wood started to "retreat, "in good order, but when two and three at a time was sent over he broke, and ran his mule team over the field for all it was worth, the wagon wheels striking stones, stumps, etc., caused the contents of the wagon to fall out, much to the pleasure of the troops, who ran and picked up the cakes, canned goods, cheese, etc. Wood afterwards claimed he made an "orderly retreat," but tliose who witnessed it said it was a genuine "skee- daddle."

The Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery vacated Fort Burnham on the morning of the 29th of October, other troops taking its place, and, after some manoeuvring, again entered the breastworks just to the left of the fort.

Captain McClure, of Battery F, who had been absent from the regiment on leave since September 25th, returned to the regiment this day, and it was rumored that he had been commissioned Colonel of the regiment b}' Governor Curtin.

The following day, Sunday, was very cjuiet. Chaplain Hunt preaching in the morning and afternoon, a large num- ber of the Second Artillery and many from other regiments, attending the services.

The next day, October 31st, the regiment was inspected and mustered for pay, many of the Batteries having squad and company drills toward evening.

After inspection it was announced that Captain W'il- liam M. McClure, of Battery F, had been promoted to Colo- nel of the regiment, which gave general satisfaction to every man connected therewith, for Captain McClure was well known and liked throughout the regiment, and was considered a very brave, big-hearted and highly qualified officer, as well as being a gentleman under all circumstances.

Tuesday, November, ist, 1864, was very quiet, drilling being the only duty performed by the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery, and on the following day three days' rations were served the men towards evening, with orders to "pack up." No move, however, was made until the next

CHAPIN S FARM. II9

day, November 3rd, the regiment in the meantime being held in readiness, when, instead of going to Newbern, as was anticipated by the men, two BattaHons, the First and Second, moved farther to the left of the line, occupying two or three batteries in addition to the breastworks between them. ' Rain descended during the whole night of the 2nd, and, after enduring it some time, with no indications of moving soon, the men unpacked their tents and blankets to use as protection from the rain.

After the two mentioned Battalions went to the left of the line, the Third Battalion again pitched tents where it stood, and nothing worthy of note occurred in the regiment until Tuesday, November 8th, when the regiment held an election (as did other Pennsylvania troops thereabouts) for President, the candidates being President Abraham Lincoln ("old Abe") and General George B. McClelian ("Little Mac") The Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artil- lery gave 167 majority for President Lincoln.

The major portion of the votes cast by the regiment were those of young men, who thus enjoyed their first suf- frage as an American citizen — voting on age — and who manifested great interest in the matter. The polling was done by the men at headquarters of each Battery respective- ly, and the majorities in each were all in favor of Presi- dent Lincoln, "not one precinct for 'Little Mac,' " said Lieu- tenant Daniels, of Battery D, who electioneered for "Old Abe."

The Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery continued to occupy the same positions along the line from the 3rd of November until the i8th, and followed the usual routine duty — drilling, inspection, picket details daily, etc., except on the loth of the month, when details were sent to assist in digging wells around Fort Burnham, in anticipation of the enemy attempting to undermine and blow it up. The weather during this time was very undesirable, varying in rain and frosts principally.

Colonel Fairchild left the Brigade on November 5th, 1864, first turning the command thereof to Colonel Mc-'- Clure.

I20 CHAPIN S FARM.

On the night of Thursday, November i/th, about 12 o'clock, picket firing, followed by booming of cannon and rattle of musketry, was heard in the direction of Bermuda Front, and the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery was called into line at the breastworks on the left of Fort F.urn- ham, where it remained until after i o'clock, at which time the men were given the command "rest !" About 4 o'clock a. m., November i8th, the regiment was again called up, and Batteries D, E, F, G, H, I and M, in light marching order, were marched, double quick, under command of Captain Strawbridge, across the James river, via Varina road and the pontoon bridge at Aiken's Landing, to Bermuda Hun- dred Front, where it was learned the 105th and 107th P. V. had lost the picket line, with two redoubts — Carpenter and Dutton — being the cause of the firing heard at Chapin's Farm.

About 12 o'clock that day (November i8th), with other troops, the Battalion advanced on the enemy, who after a short, but stubborn, resistance, was driven back, and the lost works were consequently recaptured, the Bat- talion's loss being very slight.

At sundown the enemy made an attempt to retake the works, but the engagement was not very severe, resulting in a decided defeat of the Confederates.

After the fight was over, about dusk, a heavy cold rain storm set in, continuing two days, during which the men suffered severely, the second day the rain freezing as it reached the ground, and the men were required to stand against the breastworks, without any shelter whatever in almost a foot of water, their tents, blankets and knapsacks having been left at Chapin's Farm.

The position of the Battalion was to the right of the line, and it occupied Redoubts Dutton, McConihe and Car- penter, until the 20th, when it was relieved by some U. S. colored troops. Sharpshooting, as experienced at Peters- burg by the regiment, was kept up for a few days, ceasing when the colored troops left the front.

Excepting the cold disagreeable rain, which, at inter- vals, continued until the 23rd, the Battalion enjoyed a com- paratively easy time in the works, only the usual routine,

CHAPIN S FARM.

121

which included picket details daily, being required ; but on the date mentioned, the knapsacks, which were left at Chapin's Farm by the Batteries that left there on the i8th were returned to the men, who were very glad to get some- thing to protect them from the weather. The men were relieved from duty in the front works, and retired to a position in rear thereof, near the James river, where they pitched their tents and went into camp.

Thursday, November 24th, 1864, the day set apart by President Lincoln as Thanksgiving Day, found the regi- ment enjoying clear, but cold weather, with tents to protect them therefrom, a supply of hardtack and an opportunity to

REDOUBT McCONIHE,

Bermuda Frout.

procure some decent water to drink, for all of which, as Chaplain Hunt said in addresseing the men, "we are very thankful " Rations of whiskey were served the men at noon and at retreat.

The next day, November 25th, the Battalion was given "a big feed." Turkeys, chickens, ducks, etc., kindly con- tributed by citizens of Pennsylvania, reached the regiment and were made into "chicken pot-pie," as the men termed it, i. e., stewed, with some broken-up hardtack, corn meal and onions therein. Apples, nuts, oranges, etc., were also liberally distributed throughout the command.

122 CHAPIN S FARM.

The part of the regiment at Chapin's Farm sent greet- ings to that at Bermuda Fronts, in these words : "We'uns eat turk, and wish yoii'ns could jine us." The ''Bermuda Renegades," as they were dubbed, replied: "Turkey, chicken and duck tickle our palates and rejoice, with you, in having 'a big feed.' ''

On the following day, November 26th, the Batteries, except Battery M, in camp at Bermuda Front, marched back to Chapin's Farm, and were again assigned positions be- tween Batteries 2 and 3 in the breastworks facing the James river, a location where very little fear of an attack would be made by the enemy. While here, wnth little to do, the men availed themselves of the opportunity to visit Fort Brady and the Dutch Gap Canal daily.

Colonel Fairchild, who had been absent on leave, re- turned this day and assumed command of the Brigade to which the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery was at- tached, relieving Colonel McClure, who again took com- mand of his regiment.

The regiment had inspection of arms in the morning of November 27th, 1864, and dress parade in the evening, followed next day with drilling, artillery as well as infantry, using the guns in Batteries No. 2 and 3.

The day following the men were kept in line behind the breastworks anticipating a move across the James river again, as heavy firing was heard in the direction of Bermuda Front, the heavy guns of Fort Darling and the Howlet House Battery, being almost in a direct line in front of the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery, could be heard very distinctly. At sundown the men were permitted to leave their positions in the breastworks.

It is well to mention that the breastworks were never wholly vacated, as guards were stationed about every ten or fifteen feet, to give alarm in case the pickets began firing, the men's tents being pitched about twenty feet only to the rear of the breastworks.

This same day, November 28th, Lieutenant William H. Wetherbee and fifty men of Battery M were detached from Brigadier General Graham's headquarters at Bermuda

CHAPIN S FARM. 1 23

Front and sent to Redoubt Dutton, where they remained until January nth, 1865.

General inspection was held in the morning of the 30th of November, 1864, and dress parade in the evening, the weather being very fine and suitable to such purposes, fol- lowed next day with drills, in the morning and afternoon, by Batteries.

124

CHAPTER VIII.

RETURN TO BERMUDA HUNDRED FRONT.

On December 2nd, 1864, heavy cannonading was again heard going on at Bermuda Fronts, in the morning, and at 2 o'clock p. m., the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery again marched over there, where a very brisk picket fire was carried on after dark, the regiment taking position in rear of the breastworks at a point midway of the James and Appomatox rivers, remaining there during the night, laying on arms after the picket firing ceased.

The Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery was here attached to the Brigade commanded by General Graham.

At daylight of December 3rd, 1864, the Second Penn- sylvania Heavy Artillery moved to a postion farther to the left, some of the men occupying quarters vacated by other troops and others pitching their tents. In the afternoon a brisk cannonading was carried on for about one hour by the batteries in the immediate locality of the regiment, but no casualties occurring therein.

On the 4th of December, 1864, Colonel McClure was assigned to command the Provisional Brigade, composed of the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery, 115th New York and 62d Ohio regiments, and moved it to the extreme left of the Bermuda Front; Captain Strawbridge again commanded the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery. A few days later the Brigade was designated "First Brigade, Infantry Division. Army of the James."

Among the Confederate troops in front of the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery at this time was the nth Virginia, which regiments faced each other on several oc- casions at different points along the line, including Peters-

BERMUDA HUNDRED.

125

burg, Chapin's Farm and at Bermuda Front prior to the Chapin's Farm fight.

On December 4th, pretty much all the colored troops were withdrawn from Bermuda Fronts, and the line of works, from the James to the Appomatox was occupied by the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery and the Tenth New York Heavy Artillery, the latter known by themselves as "Lincoln's Pets," as narrated in Captain Webb's history of that regiment.

It is well enough to here remark that President Lin- coln's pets were the whole L^nion Army, no one organiza-

REDOUBT BUTTON,

Bermuda Front.

tion composing it being more of a pet of his than another, and no one regiment received greater favors from him than he would gladly bestow upon all if possible so to do. The writer, in justice to President Lincoln, and every military organization composing the Union Army, during the Civil War alike, verily believes, and President Lincoln's acts confirm the belief, that he loved one and all, "with malice toward none, with charity for all," and Comrade Webb can- not show wherein President Lincoln showed greater favors to the Tenth New York than were shown the Second Penn- sylvania Heavy Artillery while in the Defences of Wash-

126 BERMUDA HUNDRED.

ington, or as before remarked, that President Lincoln would not be glad to bestow' upon any other body of troops.

The two regiments above mentioned were stationed — the Second Pennsylvania's left resting on the Appomatox river at the "Crows' Nest Lookout" and extending to Re- doubts Dutton, McConihe and Carpenter on the right, the Tenth New York's left resting thereon and extending to the James river. The Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artil- lery occupied the redoubts.

After the departure of the colored troops, picket firing, as well as sharpshooting, at Bermuda Front became a thing of the past, and the men of both sides resumed their former practice of trading — Coffee, sugar, etc., for tobacco — along the picket line, and conversing one with the other. The fol- lowing is an extract from one of S. M. Coursey's letters to the Watsontown Record and Star, showing how intimate the two lines became in the winter of 1864-65:

"The nights were getting quite cool and one night while on picket I burned my boots so badly they were quite worthless. We remained here until near Christmas, when we were sent back to Bermuda Front to retake the picket line that had been taken by the rebels from the one year regiments.

I may not have the exact time, but I know it was in cold weather. We marched out and took our old line, the rebels vacating. I was on the extreme left of the regiment, where the Sixty-second Ohio joined us. Two of the Ohio boys were with me on the post. We were ordered not to build fires, but we kept a roaring blaze. The officer of the day was one of the one year men, and when he came along he ordered us to put out the fire. One of our boys told him that we had been on picket before and always had fire and never had a picket line captured. At this he rode on and we kept our fire all night.

To my left one of the Johnnies called to one of our men to loan him an axe to cut some wood as they were nearly frozen. The axe was thrown over into the rebel line and was shortly after returned in good order."

About this time the regiment was busily engaged in building winter quarters, or rather improving those built by the one year men — the log huts being enlarged to hold six men, instead of four, fire places were built in one end, with mud and stone for material. The huts were made "three- story," that is, three bunks, one above the other, were con-

BERMUDA HUNDRED 127

striicted by the adding- of two logs to the heighth of the huts. Shelter tents were used for roofing.

From the 29th of September to about the ist of De- cember, 1864, the weather would vary almost daily — rain, hot, cold, snow and frost — and a great part of the time the men were exposed to it, w^ithout shelter of any kind, so these huts were considered palaces by the men, and though the picket duty required of them was excessive, owing to the few troops stationed between the two rivers, yet, when relieved therefrom for a few hours, they had a "home" to go to, and highly appreciated it.

Every favorable day drills, inspections and dress pa- rades were indulged in by the regiment.

The usual routine of camp and picket duty, without any incident to deserve special mention, continued until the night of December 17th, 1864, when the enemy opened fire on some colored troops who had been placed on picket at the right of the line on the James river, and the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery was formed in line behind the breastworks in anticipation of an attack, but the firing hav- ing ceased, returned to quarters after about one hour's time.

A skirmish was had by troops on the picket line at the James river on the 23rd of December, cannonading con- tinuing throughout the night, and the following day the Confederate gunboats on the James attempted to descend the river, one of which was blown up by a Union battery, all of which time the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery was in line behind the breastworks.

On Christmas Day, December 25th, special rations were cooked and served the regiment, among which were cabbage, ham, potatoes, onions, fresh bread, butter, cheese, beans and pickles.

Many of the men not on duty went to the right of the line at James river, to see the bulkhead of "Butler's Dutch Gap Canal" blown up, w^hich they termed "a fizzle."

The following day a shotted salute was fired along the whole line, in honor of Sherman's victory at Savannah.

From the 25th to the 30th of December, 1864, the rou- tine duty of one day on picket and one in camp was the

128 BERMUDA HUNDRED.

order of service by the men; inspection and muster for pay took place on the 31st, rain, with a mixture of snow, descending all day, and, at intervals, continuing throughout the night and the following day.

At 9 o'clock a. m., on January 2nd, 1865, the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery was called out and formed in line, then marched to the right to a point behind the breast- works in rear of Redoubt Button, where with other troops of the Division, three sides of a hollow square was formed, the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery occupying the ex:=- treme left of the line.

At 10 o'clock (the Division being at "parade rest") came Sergeant William G. Johnson and a "bounty-jumper," with Chaplain Hunt marching between them, they being preceded by the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery's Band and a platoon of Battery M, and followed by another platoon of the same Battery and a caisson with two coffins thereon. The procession entered the square at the extreme right and marched in front of the troops to the left, the band playing a dead mrch. Then leaving the band and caisson and placing the coffin in front of two open graves, located midway between the right and left flanks of the troops, the convicted men were seated on the coffins and blindfolded by Lieut. Barber, of Battery M, who had com- mand of the executioners, being the two platoons from Bat- tery M mentioned above, the muskets of whom were loaded and stacked by officers at Division headquarters the night before ; one-half of the arms had blank and the other half ball cartridges, so none of the firing party knew whether they had the ball or blank cartridge. The orders were read reciting the crime of the accused and the finding of the court martial, together with the approval from higher au- thority, Vvith a warning to all soldiers of the danger of fol- lowing such an example. The signal was given to the first platoon to fire and the doomed men were shot and sank down, each on his own coffin. They were buried where they were shot and the troops marched back to their camps.

Johnston, a former Sergeant in Battery D, of the Second Pennsyhania Heavy Artillery, who was transferred

BERMUDA HUNDRED.

129

to the "Invalid Corps" on account of physical disabilities, and who retained his rank therein as sergeant, had command of a squad that guarded deserters in transit to and from Fort Monroe, and at a court martial it was in evidence that he had allowed bounty-jumpers to escape by payment of sums of money. One of these men, who was recaptured "squealed" on Johnston, saying he paid him fifty dollars to permit him to escape. Both were condemned to be shot, after the trial by the court martial. Johnson walked erect until he arrived in front of his own regiment, wlien, as soon

CORP. JOSEPH H. MARTZ, Battery D.

as his eyes caught sight of its yellow regimental flag, he dropped his head and did not again raise it until after his eyes were blindfolded and he was seated on his coffin. At the first fire Johnson was killed outright; he was shot through the head and heart, wliile the bounty-jumper was shot everywhere but in a vital spot, and lingered a short

130 BERMUDA HUNDRED.

time. It was, evidently, intended on the part of the execu- tioners.

The regiment, on the fourth day of January, 1865, be- came a veteran regiment, its first term of enHstment having expired and a sufficient number of its officers and men hav- ing re-enhsted for an additional three years, it continued its existence as the "Second Pennsylvania Veteran Heavy Ar- tillery.'' Many officers and enlisted men, however, severed their connection with the regiment when their terms of en- listment expired, and it became almost a daily occurrence to see men shaking hands and bidding each other good-bye, one of whom was Joseph P. Zebley, of Battery E, whose letter to the writer in answer to one for information as to his last days of service follows :

Philadelphia September 30, 1903. Comrade Ward : —

The /th or 8th of January, 1865, was my last night on picket duty at Bermuda Front. There was a 6-foot reb got inside of our vidette line ; he was sent in advance to fmd our men. I got him, and sent him to the rear. They missed him, and he told me that they were going to flank us on the right and come in on the left, and capture the whole line, but they did not do it, and I was very glad of it, for I was mustered out on the loth at Gen. Butler's headquarters, but Gen. Ord in command, Butler having been relieved about that time, for some cause. On the 9th it rained very hard, but I crossed the pontoons all right on the loth and got mustered out and started back for camp. The freshet in the river had sent the pontoons down to City Point, where the gunboats got them and brought them back. I had to wait all day. knee-deep in mud. before I could get back to camp. How- ever I got there, went around among the boys, and had a good time shaking hands, saying good-bye, etc. I certainly did feel bad at leav- ing them, but 1 had had enough of the "glories" of war, and was buoyed up with prospects of getting home alive to see the dear ones I had left three years before, which I did. I can't write my feelings, but you can guess them, for you have been there yourself. Yours in F., C. and L.,

JOSEPH P. ZEBLEY."

Battery A was relieved from picket duty at midnight of January 6th, to accompany Gen. Terry's expedition to Fort Fisher. The men were very elated at the prospect of "cocking cannon" again, and more especially as they were given to understand their services were required "on board vessels, where marching is unknown and good quarters to eat and sleep are provided." However, they did not find it

BERMUDA HUNDRED. 131

SO, as "the vessel was over-crowded and the only grub en- joyed was the hard-tack and pork supplied at Bermuda Front before starting."

The usual routine of camp life, then continued until the 14th of January, when the regiment joined in dress parade with the Brigade, at which the farewell address of General Butler was read to the command.

A salute was fired, on the 17th of January, 1865, in honor of the capture of Fort Fisher, in which Battery A, of the Second Pennsylvania Veteran Heavy Artillery was detached from the regiment to garrison. Nothing further occurred at Bermuda Front, except drills, dress parades, inspections, picket duty, etc., until the after- noon of the 23rd, when the regiment was called in line on account of picket firing on the right and shelling going on at the James river, which was kept up throughout the night. In the early morning following the enemy's gunboats at- temped to descend the river, one of which was blown up by a shell from the large Federal mortar at Battery 3 enter- ing its magazine ; the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery, however, did not participate further than hold itself in readi- ness to repel an attack in its front, which was anticipated but did not occur.

A Sergeant of Battery H was injured the following day by a gun carriage breaking his leg. Some 300 men of the regiment were hauling a seige gun to the James river, when, on descending a hill, the prolong parted, the men thereby losing control of the carriage with the foregoing result. Two or three other men were slightly injured.

About this time it was a nightly occurrence for many Confederate deserters to enter the Union lines at Bermuda Fronts, some nights over thirty would be received along the picket line

On the night of February i, 1865, the enemy advanced on the picket line held by Battery M, but were repulsed with the loss of several men. Battery M's loss being three haversacks, two canteens and one gun.

Battery inspections only were the deviations from picket duty until the night of February 13th, when some picket firing was indulged in, bringing the regiment to the

132 BERMUDA HUNDRED.

l)reastworks, where it remained until after daylight of the 14th.

Another sortie was made on the picket line about i o'clock on the night of February i6th. 1865, the enemy being repulsed with considerable loss, many of those killed and wounded lay in front of the picket line next morning, several of whom were among the abatis, showing a deter- mined effort to break the line. The attack was made by 500 picked men of IMahone's Confederate troops, who formed in the ravine between the two lines, and were not disco\ered by the videttes of the Second Pennsylvania Vet- eran Heavy Artillery until almost within twenty feet of them, when the alarm was gi\'en and deadly volleys poured into it by Batteries D and E, in front of whom the attack was made. The gunboat Commodore Perry, on the Ap- pomatox river did good service in firing shot and shell up the ravine, many of the enemy among whom was a major and a captain being killed and wounded thereby. Some 100 prisoners were taken, and picks and shovels galore were picked up the next day. The intention of the enemy, evi- dently, was to capture the picket line and Redoubt Dutton, then advance their line between that and the Union breast- works, which would enal)le them to place a fort or battery in a position to control the Dutch Gap Canal.

The Redoubts McConihe, Carpenter and Dutton about this time were garrisoned alternately by the several Bat- teries of the Second Pennsylvania Veteran Heavy Artillery, a Battery at each redoubt — each Battery remaining there a week at a time.

Except ]:)icket firing by the enemy, caused by Confed- erates deserting nearly e\'ery night, nothing of a noteworthy character transpired until the 28th of the month, when the Second Pennsylvania Veteran Heavy Artillery mustered for two months' pay, and dress parade of the Brigade took place in the afternoon, on the plateau in rear of the "Crow's Nest Lookout," and special divine services were held by Chaplain Hunt, immediately after the dress parade on the same ground.

On the fifth of March, 1865, '^ special inspection of the Second Pennsylvania Veteran Heavy Artillery was made.

BERMUDA HUx\DRED. 1 33

and the result was the men were furnished with new cloth- ing a few days later.

During the night of IMarch 5th, sixteen Confederates came into the line occupied by Battery G, bringing seventeen rifles, one being that of the sergeant in charge of the scjuad, who was left asleep at the picket post from which they de- serted.

A sergeant of the Tenth New York Heavy Artillery, who was taken sick on the picket line, was carried to the Point of Rocks Hospital early in the morning of March 6th, \yhere he was delivered of a "bouncing broth of a boy," as "Jimmy" Halin, of Battery D, termed it, and for the

REDOUBT CARPENTER,

Bermuda Frout.

next three or four days the event created as great a cjues- tion among the two regiments as to its parental relations as did "how old is Ann?" among the people in 1903.

During these days and nights of comparative idleness in the regiment. Chaplain Hunt was ever on the alert to get "my boys" to gether in his larg'e service tent, and either de- liver a sermon or give fatherly advice and comfort to his congregations. e\ents which the writer verily believes ever remained in fond remembrance by those who were privi- leged to enjoy them.

134 BERMUDA HUNDRED.

On the 7th of March, 1865, Colonel ]\IcCkire presented his resignation to General Orel, which was accepted, and the order for his discharge was received next day, when he turned the regiment over to command of Major Benjamin

F. Winger.

RESIGNATION OF COLONEL McCLURE.

"Hd. Qrs. Provisional Brigade, Defences of Bermuda Hundred, Army of the James, Va.

February 28, 1865. Lieut. Col. E. W. Smith, A. A. G.

Department of Virginia. Colonel : —

I have the honor to submit the following for consideration : On the 4th of January, 1862, I was mustered into the service of the United States as Captain, Batt. "F," 2d Pa. Art. In September last a leave of absence was granted me for the purpose of arranging regi- mental affairs (which had for a long time been in much confusion) at Harrisburg, Pa. Having performed that duty and procured a Col- onel's commission for Major Anderson, then commanding the regi- ment, I made arrangements for entering business in civil life when my term of service should expire.

Unfortunately, Major Anderson was killed on Chaffin's Farm, on the 29th of September, leaving the regiment, then having an A. A.

G. officer, to be commanded by a Captain. All the officers entitled to a discharge declared their intention to leave the service before the loth of February, 1865, making a complete reorganization of the regiment necessary. By unanimous request of the officers present, I accepted the position of Colonel for the purpose of reorganizing the regiment, and was mustered in on the 30th of October, 1864, intending to resign when I could do so without detriment to the ser- vice. Since that time 26 officers have been discharged, and 32 mustered in, which, with the recommendations awaiting action, completes the reorganization. Having performed my duty to the service, I now, very respectfully, tender my resignation and, hoping that it will be accepted in order that I may be enabled to fulfil private obligations which / am in honor bound to respect, I am,

Very respectfully,

Your Obedient Servant,

W. M. McCLURE,

Col. 2d Pa. Art."

RESOLUTION OF REGRET AT COLONEL McCLURE'S RES- IGNATION.

Head Qrs. 2d Penn. Veteran Artillery,

Near Point of Rocks, Va., March 11, 1865. At a meeting of the officers of the 2d Pa. Vet. Art'y, held at Regimental Headquarters on the evening of the loth inst., Major Ben. F. Winger presiding, and First Lieut. Albert P. Barber, secretary, on

BERMUDA HUNDRED. 1 35

motion Captains Wm. S. Bailey, Jos. L. Iredell and First Lieut. Wm. S. Fiss were appointed a committee to draft resolutions expressive of their feelings in parting with their late Colonel, William M. INIcClure.

The following resolutions were then presented and unanimously adopted :

Resolved — That amid the various changes that have occurred in the regiment, there has heen none which has occasioned to us so much regret as the return to civil life of Colonel William M. AlcClure, by which the regiment has lost one of its brightest ornaments, one of its best friends, and the service one of its most devoted patriots and veteran soldiers.

Resolved — That Colonel Wm. j\I. ]\IcClure carries with him into his new sphere of life the esteem and gratitude of his late Brothers in Arms, and that it is their earnest wish that the same success attend him in civil as in military life.

Resolved — That a copy of these Resolutions be transmitted to Wm. 'M. AlcClure, late Colonel 2d Penna. Veteran Heavy Artillery.

B. F. WINGER,

Albert P. Barber, Major 2d Pa. Vet. Art'y-

First Lieut. 2nd Pa. Vet. Art'y.

Secretary

On the night of March 23, 1865, the enemy set fire to the woods between the two opposing hnes at Bermuda Front, evidently to better detect their men when attempting to desert, a nightly occurrence of which was carried on in excessive numbers.

The regimental pay-rolls were signed by the officers and the men of the Second Pennsjdvania Veteran Heavy Artillery on the 24th of ]\Iarch, 1865, and on the following day orders were issued to pack up all surplus clothing pre- paratory to it being sent to Norfolk, indicating another movement to be made by the regiment, the advent of two divisions of Sheridan's Cavalry the next day tending to confirm that belief by the men.

The Second Pennsylvania Veteran Heavy Artillery was "in all its glory" the following day, March 27th, when the paymaster arrived and "settled accounts" with the men.

The fact that there was no place to spend money, except at the sutler's wagon, where credit ad. lib. could be had as well as by paying cash, was no bar to the men's want of money, for be it remembered the great majority of the men had someone at home dependent, more or less, upon them, and these occasional payments of sixteen dollars per month for services were anxiously looked forward to by such com-

136 BERMUDA HUNDRED.

rades in the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery, as well, also, by many other regiments.

The General commanding the brigade inspected the regiment by Batteries on the 28th of ]March. after which nothing transpired demanding attention, not already speci- fied, until the afternoon of April 1st, when all the guns from the Appomatox to the James river were opened on the enemy, followed by volleys of musketry, and in the "melee" several in the regiment were wounded, mostly those on the picket line, firing being kept up all night.

Throughout the night of the 30th of March, 1865, the Army of the James was marching past the camp of the Second Pennsylvania Veteran Heavy Artillery, toward Petersl)urg, which gave evidence that something new was to transpire, and the several Battery headquarters were watched by the men in anticipation of being called upon to participate: and when it became known that the Confed- erates in front of the regiment under Gen. Longstreet, left on the 31st, the men of the "Second Heavy" were positive "we'll move." But not only did they remain spread out and cover ground vacated by those who left, but also were required to be more vigilant and do more duty.

On the morning of April 2nd, 1865, the regiment sup- ported an advance made Ijy two Battalions of the Tenth New York Heavy Artillery, at the right of the Second Penn- sylvania Veteran Heavy Artillery, but soon fell back with the loss of about one hundred men in killed, wounded and missing in the two regiments.

A flae: of truce was sent out in the afternoon, to burv the dead, which was accepted, and done, terminating at about 6 p. m., after which the regiment resumed its old position on picket line, lying on arms all night.

AlK)ut 8 o'clock on the morning of April 3, the Third Battalion of the regiment, in light marching order, with Battery D as skirmishers, advanced, with other troops, and took possession of the enemy's works, meeting with little re- sistance, as the enemy was about retreating, and whose bat- teries were occupied with "Quaker guns" at the embrasures.

The enemy was followed to Chester station, where the Richmond and Petersburg railroad was torn up and a train

BERMUDA HUNDREP. 137

of eighteen cars loaded with tobacco, and a locomotive, were "ditched." Continuing the pursuit, picking up strag- glers, in squads of five, ten and twenty, the command passed the inner line of works, which ran along some woods.

The command pushed on through the woods containing a dense growth of underbrush of small dry cedars and fir, through which it was impossible to see more than ten to fifteen feet, and which compelled the line to become some- what broken, and most of the men's clothes were almost torn to rags.

It soon emerged from the woods into an open field, then wheeled to the lert on a double-ciuick, charging and capturing nearly all of Mahone's wagon-train, with many prisoners, on the road to Petersburg.

After gathering in the wagons, mules, prisoners, etc., and sending them under guard, to the rear, with a six-gun battery that had become mixed up in the stampede, a halt was called.

Batteries B and part of K during the nig'ht were placed on the picket line, under command of Lieutenant Gramlich, with a New York officer as "Division Officer of the Day." The main post was located on a cross-road — Petersburg and Danville R. R. A number of prisoners were captured here, and the next morning, with consent of the Division Officer of the Day, Lieut. Gramlich took one man from each post, as a reconnoitering party, and advanced some dis- tance beyond the lines, capturing more prisoners, confiscat- ing a mule, harness and carriage, which were returned to the owner on taking the oath of allegiance.

Detachments of Batteries K and ]\I were sent on twenty miles further, to some coal pits, on the Richmond & Danville Railroad, reaching there about midnight, where they captured some prisoners and locomotives, returning to Chester on the locomotives (run by men of the detach- ments) with the prisoners taken, about 5 o'clock a. m., April 4th, from whence they marched to Point of Rocks taking boat to City Point, lea\"ing the prisoners, and about 4 p. m. started to march for Petersburg, where they re- joined the regiment about ii o'clock p. m.

138 BERMUDA HUNDRED.

Shortly after Batteries K and M left for the coal pits, the Battalion returned to Chester Station, thence to Ber- muda Front, where it remained over night, and the next morning, the whole regiment was ordered to Petersburg, the march to which point was marked by considerable lag- ging, the men being burdened with knapsacks, five days' rations, etc., the step being quick, the weather rather warm and the roads muddy.

The Second Pennsylvania Veteran Heavy Artillery at this time was in General Ferrero's Provisional Division, and with which it marched to Petersburg, there relieving the First Division of the Ninth Corps, the regiment going into camp about a mile to the south of the city, in an apple or- chard, where arms were stacked and tents pitched after guards were stationed round about.

Batteries M, B and H were detailed for duty in Pet- ersburg on the morning of April 7th.

139

CHAPTER IX.

RETURN TO PETERSBURG.

On the 9th of April, 1865, with the whole army and navy, and the patriots of the country everywhere the Second Pennsylvania Veteran Heavy Artillery was made to rejoice that the war was ended by the surrender of General Robert E. Lee to General Ulysses S. Grant.

The loth of April, 1865, was a dreary day, so far as the weather w^as concerned, rain descending in torrents at times, but the ardor of the Army in general, and the Second Pennsylvania Veteran Heavy Artillery in particular, was above par in rejoicing over the termination of the war, in consequence of which the men anticipated an immediate re- turn to their homes and families.

Such, however, was not the fortune of the regiment, so far as an immediate return home was concerned, for it was ordered to duty in the Freedmen's Bureau, and was about the last volunteer regiment in the service to be dispensed with.

The monotony of camp life by those at regimental headquarters was broken on April 12th, when dress parade was held towards sundown, and balls were held by the Bat- teries in the night, music for which was furnished by those belonging to the several Batteries, who possessed a fiddle, harmonicon, accordeon, or banjo, one or the other of which instruments could be found in every Battery in the regi- ment.

Confederate troops, homeward bound, passing through Petersburg, and sight-seeing, in the city and along the lines of the city's defences, encompassed the attention of

140 PETERSBURG.

those of the regiments not on tkity for the first two or three clays after the surrender, when on April 14th, nearly every available man of the command was put on duty, picketing and guarding all roads, some over five miles from the city, to intercept and capture, if possible, J. Wilkes Booth, the assassin of President Lincoln, a full description of whom was given every soldier, and who was reported to be on his way to the lower Southern States.

The arrests of persons were very numerous, and in- cluded women as well as men, some of the men who made such arrests saying the arrest was made by them "because she looked like a man."

Chaplain Hunt held services at camp of the Second Battalion on the evening of April i6th, to which a large attendance from other Batteries and troops of other regi- ments were present, the Chaplain dwelling on the crime of Booth.

He held "special services" on the evening of the 19th of April, to which -"all soldiers" were invited, and to whom he addressed a strong temperance lecture, which was well received and, evidenced by the subsequent conduct of the men, had a salutary effect. He also delivered a sermon to the men at camp of the First Battalion at noon that day, which was preceded by Colonel Strawbridge inspect- ing the command.

The following assignments were made by Colonel Strawl)ridge, each ofticer being accompanied by one or more Batteries of the regiment, to patrol and do guard dutv in the counties mentioned:

Surry Court House — Lieut. Col. Wringer. Brunswick Court House — Major Bailey. Sussex Court House — Major Schooley. Greenville Court House — Capt. Mercer. Prince George Court House — Capt. Norris. Dinwiddie Court House — Capt. Wilson.

The several Batteries of the 2d renns}'lvania Veteran Heavy Artillery were moved from place to place, as occa- sion required, during the summer of 1865, to look after the freedmen and feed them, headquarters for such pur- po.ses being estal)lished at Dinwiddie. I'runswick. Sussex,

PETERSBURG. I4I

Llewellyn, Prince George, Nottoway and other courthouses, all being under the command of General ]\lcKibl)en, the district being termed "District of the Blackwater," with headquarters in Petersburg, where Batteries M. H and B were located and doing patrol and guard duty.

On the 20th of July, Battery A, which had been on duty at Fort Fisher since its capture in January, returned to the regiment.

On August 17th, lieadquarters of the regiment was moved to Poplar Grove, near headquarters of General Lee during the siege of Petersburg, Battery G being de- tailed for guard duty at the camp.

The Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery was mus- tered for two months' pay on the 30th and 31st of August, 1865, two days being necessary as the command was so widely scattered, some over 65 miles away.

On the nth of September, Batteries D, H, I and L, under command of Lieut. Colonel Winger, with Lieut. W. L. Laughlin acting Assistant Adjutant, were sent to Burkesville, Avhere they relie\ed the 24th U. S. C. T. Headquarters were established in Burk's mansion, the "Sub-District of the Roanoke" being the title of the dis- trict.

Battery G was guard of honor on September 17th at the funeral of a ]\Iajor belonging to the 103d New York Infantry;

The following order was the first genuine indication of an early discharge from service received by the regi- ment :

Headquarters, District of the Nottowav.

Petersburg, I'a., November 2, 1865. General Orders No. 34.

I. All Officers and men belonging to Companies A, B, D and I, 2d Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery, and not on detached duty by orders from these Headquarters or higher authority, will immediately be relieved and rejoin their companies at Burksville, Va.

II. The Officers of the Freedmen's Bureau will, without delay, assume the duties of Provost Marshals for their respective counties. They will report to their Sub-District Commander in matters apper- taining to the Provost ^Marshal's department, and to Capt. Stuart Barnes, Assistant Superintendent, 2d District, in those appertaining to the Freedmen's Bureau.

142 PETERSBURG.

III. All Officers relieved bj' this order will, without delay, rejoin their respective companies.

Bv Command of Major-General John Gibbon, W. H. MALE, Brvt. Maj. & A. D. C, Act. A. A. General. Official :

J. A. Buck,

Lt. & A. Assistant Adjutant General.

On December 19, 1S65, the citizens of Petersburg held a tournament, the handbills for which stated, "No Yankees will be permitted to attend." General Gibbon issued an order that "No Federal soldier or officer shall assist in making the tournament a success, by loaning or contribut- ing horses, equipment, etc., or dig'nify the occasion by being present," in consequence of which the "tournament" was a "fizzle."

Captain Dunkelberg, of Battery C, was placed under arrest by Major Schooley on December 21st for permit- ting his men to remove some shanties vacated by Battery H, but nothing further was done in the matter, as Colonel Strawbridge deemed it "inadvisable to create ill feeling on the eve of being mustered out of service."

H5

CHAPTER X.

CITY POINT — MUSTERED OUT.

On December 22, 1865, headquarters of the Second Pennsylvania Veteran Heavy Artillery was moved to City Point and the several Batteries were also ordered to report there as soon as relieved at their respective stations.

The Batteries at Burksville and Petersburg were be- ing paid off on the 31st of December, while those at City Point were being mustered for pay, the latter being paid on January 8, 1866, and in less than twenty- four hours there- after five two-story buildings used as barracks by the Batteries at City Point were burned down, many of the men losing everything except what was in their pockets and on their backs ; weather bad, men suffering from cold.

On the 3d of January, 1866, orders to muster the regi- ment out of the United States service were received at regi- mental headquarters, which, being promulgated to the regi- ment, created inexpressible joy therein, the men shouting and shaking hands in a genuine happy manner.

The order for rendezvousing at City Point was received with great joy, and reads as follows :

Headquarters, District of the Nottoway,

Petersburg, Va., January 12, 1866. General Orders No. 3.

The 2d Penna. Vet. Vols. Art'y is relieved from duty in this District, and will at once repair to City Point preparatory to being mustered out.

The garrison of the City will be relieved by the companies of the I2th Infantry. The Commanding Officer of which will designate an Officer to act as A. Q. M., and receipt to Lieut. J. W. Dykens, 2d Penna. Vet. Vol. Art'y, for the public property.

14-1 CITY POINT.

The records of the Sub-Districts will be turned into the Assistant Adjutant General at these Headquarters, by the respective Command- ing Officers.

Bv Command of Major-General Tohn Gibbon. W. U. MALE. Bnf. Mai. & A. D. C. Act. A. A. General. Official :

S. D. Str-wvbrtdge.

Col. 2d Pa. Vet. Heavy Artiller>-.

The Batteries (A. B, D. H and I) that had been doing duty in the "Sub-District of the Roanoke," with head- quarters at Burksville. arrived at City Point January u, 1866. and the following day the balance of the rcgMiieni arrived from Petersburg.

Details of officers and men from each Battery were made, on the 14th of the month, to prepare muster-out rolls.

They worked day and night until the 28th of January, 1866. when the rolls were completed and ready for the mustering officers, the roll containing names, records, etc., of over five thousand men. makiiig it nearly, if not quite, the largest roll of officers and men in any volunteer regi- ment of the Civil, or any other war. in which the United States were engaged.

The regiment went on dress parade at 3 o'clock in the afternoon of Sunday. Jiinuary 2S. 1866, it being the last of those ceremonies in which the regiment indulged. Lieu- tenant Colonel Benjamin F. Winger being in command, and nearlv every officer and man of the regiment then at City Point took part in making it a success.

Captain J. Remington, of the Regular Army, per- formed the ceremony of mustering the regiment out of the United States service on January 29. 1866. and the next morning the regiment embarked on the steamboats *'S. O. Pierce" and "Lady Lang." arriving at Fortress Monroe about 2 o'clock P. ^L. where the "Adelaide" was taken for Baltimore at 6 o'clock P. 'SL. arriving there about daylight of January 31st. then cars on the Philadelphia, Wilmington and Baltimore Railroad were taken for Phila- delphia, the regiment arriving at the latter place just be- fore sundown.

After forming in line on Prime Street the regiment marched up Broad Street to Ridge Avenue, thence to Camp

MUSTERED OUT. I45

Cadwallader. going into camp there about 7 o'clock P. M., January 31. 1866, where it remained until the men were paid off and received their final discharge papers, on Feb- ruary 6, 1866.

At Fortress Monroe Colonel Strawbridge received orders from General Terry to report to him. at Richmond, Va., when after bidding the officers and men good-bye, he turned the command of the regiment over to Lieutenant Colonel Winger, who accompanied it to Philadelphia.

Adjutant Jerome Buck, mounted on Chaplain Hunt's horse and accompanied by Color Sergeant H. F. Rutledge and a corporal, carried the flags of the regiment (or rather the staffs and what little of the flags were left) to Girard Street, above Eleventh. Philadelphia, on the 5th of Febru- ary. 1866, and turned them over to the proper State officer for preservation, taking his receipt therefor and turning it over to Lieutenant Colonel B. F. \\"inger. The colors are now at the Capitol at Harrisburg. preserved with many others, and can be seen at any time.

During the services of the Second Pennsylvania \'et- eran Heavy Artillery, many of its officers and men were on detached duty at the headquarters of many other com- mands, and they all filled their positions with credit to themselves and the regiment. Among them were Lieut. Col. Oberteuft'er; Lew. C. Fosnot, of Battery G; Samuel S. Wint. of Batter}- M : \\"m. H. Buck, of Battery L: Sam- uel E. Haines, of Battery C. and Robert Burns, of Bat- tery D.

The Second Pennsylvania \'eteran Heavy Artillery was the largest regiment in the L'nion Army during the War for the L'nion, and during its active service in the field, from May 27th, 1864, to April 9th, 1865, its record Tl'/// compare fcK'orably zi'itJi a)iy si)nihir organijzatioii for braz'cry, )nilitary bearing aud discipline that was engaged during the War of 1861-5.

There were 5,104 assigned and 211 unassigned men in the regiment.

Total. 5.315.

The largest Battery was G — 493 men ; the smallest Battery was C — 343 men.

146 MUSTERED OUT.

Mathevv Loeven, Battery C, son of Captain Joseph Loeven, was but a little over 1 1 years old, and was bugler. Enlisted July ist, 1862, Discharged November, 1862.

Edward Eckard, 73 years, enlisted August 26th, 1862. Discharged November, 1862, on account of age.

The total number of deaths occuring in the regiment during the Second Pennsylvania Veteran Heavy Artillery's service of over four years was 748. The last death in the regiment was that of Artificer John Kelley, of Battery D, which occurred at Fortress Monroe while the regiment was on its way home. He was buried, with miltary honors, in Mount Moriah Cemetery, Philadelphia, February 3rd, 1866.

AUG 23 19C4

^ ' opy na_ TO CAT, DIV, Min, 23 1904

^\i6

21 y^^